FECKENHAM should have its own parish council in time for the elections in May next year.

Villagers were disappointed by the lack of progress made towards setting up their own independent council.

But a Redditch Council spokesman told the residents that they needed to be patient.

"Unfortunately, these things always take their time because of all the processes we have to go through," he said.

"If there are not any hold-ups, the village should have its own parish council ready for the May elections next year."

Redditch Council accepted the proposal for a separate parish council for Feckenham four weeks ago.

Now the planning department is producing plans which will be available for inspection by the villagers during a six-week period.

If there are no objections to the plans, the proposal will then be submitted to the Boundary Commission for final approval.