CAUTIOUS councillors failed to face the crowds who turned up in force to protest about building plans in Belbroughton.

More than 100 campaigners had gathered to protest about a scheme to build a house in the garden of a separate home, in High Street.

Last week's Advertiser/Messenger reported the residents were set to turn up on Thursday afternoon, at the same time members of Bromsgrove District Council's planning and highways committee were set for a site visit.

They wanted to highlight their concerns, which included fears about traffic chaos and the scheme ruining the village's appearance at the heart of a conservation area.

Campaign leader Brian Robinson, who lives opposite the proposed development, informed police about the demonstration, which attracted more than 100 protesters. The group waited but no-one showed up from the council.

Mr Robinson said: "We were very disappointed the council did not turn up and a lot of people felt it was discourteous.

"A lot of people, including elderly folk and children, turned up but it was a peaceful demonstration and everyone was told to stand on public land and not to confront the members."

District council leader and committee member Cllr Nick Psirides (Con, Norton) said the trip had been withdrawn a couple of days earlier because of an omission in the officer's report.

He added: "There was no point carrying out the visit without the full facts to hand."