TALKS involving Bromsgrove Rovers possible relocation to another ground with the clubs' landlord, the district council, are ongoing - it has emerged.

News that exploratory talks between club officials and the authority have not been concluded is contained in a letter to residents living near the Birmingham Road ground.

It comes from the council's deputy leader councillor Margaret Taylor (Con-Linthurst). It was also revealed this week that the leader of the council, Cllr Dennis Norton (Con-St John's), has been reported to the powerful Standards Board for England by Labour group leader, Cllr Peter McDonald (Waseley).

He alleges Cllr Norton should have disclosed to colleagues earlier than last month that he owns property adjacent to the Victoria Ground.

Cllr McDonald has also tabled a motion for the full council meeting on Tuesday, July 22, calling for a cross party steering committee to be set up to look at all aspects of Rovers possible move, as well as taking on board residents' views.

Recently, worried residents concerned that development of the ground would blight their lives wrote to Cllr Norton demanding answers to a number of questions.

In her reply, Mrs Taylor says she expects the talks to soon be concluded but is unable to answer any specific questions.

But residents say the letter is bland' and fails to answer any of their questions.

They are planning a public meeting later this month after which they propose to write again to the council demanding answers to questions put at the meeting.

Referring to Cllr Norton's alleged conflict of interest which he noted in the members register on June 7, Cllr McDonald said: "I believe the leader, who may be seen to have an interest directly or indirectly in property near the ground should from the onset have publicly declared that interest and distanced himself from any proposed development.

Cllr Norton declined to comment.