THE town's business group has refused to accept its chairman's resignation.

Droitwich Spa Association for Retail, Tourism and Services (DARTS), says Richard Brighton must stay in spite of his announcement that he wants to quit.

At last Tuesday's DARTS meeting, traders agreed he should stay in position until the June AGM, when new officers are elected.

Mr Brighton threw in the towel after discovering Wychavon District Council's plans for market stalls off High Street.

This was just days after he struck a deal for the 'Stratford market' to be held in Victoria Square every other Saturday.

The accountant felt undermined but also blamed his resignation on lack of support for DARTS and problems organising a canal restoration seminar.

Town Mayor Terry Spencer spoke highly of the chairman and said a number of responsibilities had recently taken their toll."I'm sure he will stay on as a member but for now we should give him some space and carry forward the on-going projects until the AGM."

Problems surrounding the fortnightly market were also thrashed out. DARTS wanted full support for its 12-month market trial. Droitwich Spa Town Council gave backing but Mr Brighton had feared Wychavon would refuse because of its own plans.

However, a letter from its community services chief, Brian Norfolk, gave members reassurance last Tuesday.

It revealed that while Wychavon is looking to re-accommodate traders from the indoor market hall, which is soon to be replaced by Waitrose, it would still support a fortnightly market, and had no powers to stop it going ahead anyway.