Bandstand's wrong note

But just 24 hours after both Tory and Labour members of the authority's policy and resources committee expressed second thoughts and called for more details, the executive cabinet agreed to press ahead with the plan which could go out to tender this week.

A source close to the council confided to the Advertiser/Messenger that the majority of members not on the executive cabinet, privately are against the proposal but will not speak out.

Another said it was "unpopular."

Chief reservations included the cost, vandalism, whether it is appropriate for Bromsgrove, will it be used for its purpose of summer concerts and security.

Labour group leader Cllr Peter McDonald (Uffdown and Waseley) said: "It was music to my ears that the policy and resources committee were to reconsider the allocation of £50,000 on what would be a vandalised white elephant."

Tendering

At Wednesday night's cabinet meeting, members had agreed to press ahead with the plan and its proposed 25 week programme, which includes inviting tenders for the work before next Tuesday's meeting of the full council.

A decision needs to be made by the council before the end of November if the plan, to provide a permanent memorial to commemorate the Queen's Jubilee, is to be completed in time for the nationwide celebrations during the first weekend of June 2002.

A special policy and resources meeting has been called before next Tuesday's meeting.

Speaking to the paper yesterday, Cllr Craig Lanham (Con, Norton) said: "I believe it was referred back to the executive cabinet because of concerns about security and possible vandalism."

Executive cabinet member for leisure, Cllr Terri Matthews (Con, Furlongs) said: "I still believe it is a good initiative.

"I believe this is an appropriate way to leave something for the people of Bromsgrove, to celebrate and remember the Queen's Golden Jubilee."