DISGRUNTLED Droitwich residents are planning to take power back to the people because, they claim, party politics has ruined the town.

Critics of schemes such as the redevelopment of the town's Lido, building a Waitrose supermarket in the town centre and demolishing The Worcestershire Hotel, have decided to stand as independent councillors in the forthcoming town and district council elections.

Spearheading the move is Mark Heel, grandson of one of the protesters who took part in the 1910 Salt Makers' Riot in Droitwich.

Following in the rebellious footsteps of his grandfather James "Gorey" Bourne, Mr Heel has accused councillors of following party politics rather than their own consciences for allowing these controversial projects to go ahead.

"Over the last 10 or 12 years, political parties have badly damaged the town," said Mr Heel, of Burrish Street in Droitwich.

"There are many issues we are angry about, from building in the Green Belt and sites of specific scientific interest through to the sale of the famous Droitwich Spa Lido, The Worcestershire Hotel and the Waitrose supermarket development.

'Time for a cull'

"We are sick of Wychavon white elephants crushing our town underfoot - it's time for a cull.

"Perhaps Citizen Smith was right. Let's have power to the people - Droitwich Spa people."

The campaigners have now decided to meet to see if there are enough on them willing to stand as independent councillors.

Like-minded residents have been invited to a public meeting tonight at the Rifleman's Arms in Station Street, Droitwich, to reach a decision about who is going to stand for which positions.

The independents have until Tuesday, April 1 to nominate candidates ahead of the May elections.

Among the other potential candidates are residents Jim Brant, Peter Regan, Geoff Hollyoake, Jim Witham and Claude Heeley.

"Wychavon should include Droitwich people and not blindly ignore them," said Mr Heel. "Townsfolk are sick of secret decisions to dump Wychavon problems here."