COMMUNITY leaders could face a vote of no confidence at the hands of town campaigners -- who have been criticised for being obstructive.

Action for Droitwich (AFD) members may call a parish poll to record whether residents still have faith in Droitwich Spa Town Council.

The move comes after last Monday's town council meeting when the planning committee considered plans for a Waitrose supermarket, in Gurneys Lane.

Blueprints were approved in principle -- subject to consideration of concerns raised by councillors.

AFD representatives wanted to speak out against the application during public question time but council leader Cllr Pam Davey (Con, Droit.South) said their written questions needed professional input from Wychavon District Council and did not meet standing orders criteria.

The letter had been submitted in time for consideration.

In August, AFD secured a poll in an unsuccessful bid to get a supermarket built off Kidderminster Road.

A spokesman said: "A parish poll is one of the options we're considering to help residents get a fair debate on town issues."

This week, town pressure groups were criticised by Wychavon's Tory leader Malcolm Meikle (Elmley Castle).

In a letter to the Advertiser, Cllr Meikle says: "The time has come for Droitwich people to face up to what's happening in the town and the consequences of a concerted campaign to contest just about everything being proposed to enhance the commercial and life quality of Droitwich."

He believes residents deserve better than the action groups and added: "Their action will lead to no action."

Cllr Davey said: "Yet again parish polls are being suggested over an issue outside the control of the town council.

"No useful purpose could possibly be gained by this expensive action."