COUNCILLORS in Stourport fear the town may be neglected in the new local plan which will shape the future of the district in the next decade.

A summary paper from Wyre Forest District Council, which sets out the framework for planning decisions on housing, industry, shopping and leisure in the next 10 years, came under heavy scrutiny at Tuesday's town council meeting.

Several councillors attacked the proposals after hearing a talk about the plan by district council planning officer Noel Holdstock.

Councillor Vi Higgs suggested the emphasis on shopping and nightlife was being placed on Kidderminster to the detriment of Stourport and Bewdley.

She said: "The plan states an aim to purely safeguard the roles of Stourport and Bewdley in meeting the day-to-day needs of residents.

"However, we need at least a minor retail development in Stourport rather than focusing everything on Kidderminster."

She added: "Why does the council simply want to promote an appropriate level of evening economy within Kidderminster alone?

"Stourport is a holiday town and residents and visitors want something to do without going to Kidderminster all the time."

Stourport mayor Reg Knott said the proposals for additional housing in Stourport were appropriate, but called for the town not to be forgotten as a retail amenity.

He added: "At present there are two stores where you can buy women's clothes and none whatsoever to buy men's clothes.

"This is ludicrous considering the age we live in."

However, Councillor David Little did not agree large retailers were required in Stourport town centre - at least for the time being.

He said: "Unless Stourport gets its by-pass built there is no way the centre would cope with large shops.

"It is already congested and building a department store something like Marks & Spencer at the moment would not help."

Mr Holdstock reiterated the plan was still in its consultation stages.

However, the town council's views would be taken on board before the October 6 deadline for proposals in preparation of the formulation of draft proposals and next round of consultation.