Value for money?

That's the question two Bromsgrove county councillors want answered tomorrow (Thursday).

Councillor Peter McDonald (Beacon) and Sean Shannon (Broms-West) are among others who have put their names to a motion to be discussed by the full Worcestershire County Council. They want a scrutiny group to investigate the partnership's proposed expenditure of £2,472,000 in Bromsgrove.

At a meeting of the full district council earlier this month, Cllr McDonald asked members to support his call for the partnership to come up with a sustainable action plan to improve local services or withdraw from the agreement.

This prompted a long debate during which several councillors of all parties expressed their views on what they considered are the partnership's shortcomings. Many said lack of communication was a major problem.

Deputy council leader Rita Taylor (Con-Linthurst) pointed out that more could be done to improve the partnership by the district sticking with it, rather than withdrawing and put forward three amendments which the council agreed.

These are to ask the county to recognise the 'true meaning' of partnership, implement a closer working relationship over highway matters and the need for at least quarterly meetings.

The partnership, based at the Council House, but funded by the county, was launched in 1998 to ensure the two councils worked as one on all matters regarding local highways and footpaths.

Paul Jameson head of highways at County Hall, said: "We welcome members' comments which have come at a time when the county council is looking at various options.

"We are looking to restructure how highways services are delivered and we will take into account the views of Bromsgrove when we reach a decision."