A Wyre Forest District Council cabinet member who branded public sector workers "leeches" has apologised for his remarks but is refusing to resign despite coming under fire from opposition members.

Conservative, Nathan Desmond, regretted his choice of words in a row over workers' pensions and pay but vowed not to quit.

In a letter to the Shuttle/Times and News, Mr Desmond, who represents Oldington and Foley Park, criticised the secretary of trade union, Unison's, Wyre Forest branch, Terry Clark, for calling for better retirement pensions for council workers.

Some members of the council's opposition parties, angered by Mr Desmond's comments, called for his resignation.

Labour councillor Chris Nicholls, representing Cookley, said: "He heaps contempt on public sector workers, who perform vitally important jobs for very little reward.

"Almost half of the council's workforce earn less than £16,000 a year - nowhere near the national average. The least that this very valuable workforce can expect is a decent pension at the end of their working life.

"We support the action of Unison and Terry Clarke in seeking a settlement, which is in line with other public sector workers. We call for councillor Desmond to resign immediately."

Liberal member, Mike Oborski, of Offmore and Comberton, also voiced his concern and has tabled a motion deploring Mr Desmond's comments. Angry Liberal members had called for a public apology for the offence the comments caused.

Mr Desmond rejected any calls for his resignation but apologised for the wording of his letter.

He added: "It was never my intention to criticise or undermine the employees of the Wyre Forest District Council. I fully recognise that the council employees are dedicated and committed and have my full support.

"In the letter, I was trying to highlight public concern over the crisis in pensions and the widespread anxiety around the political spectrum that the current pension arrangements are unsustainable.

"I fully accept that, in hindsight, my choice of wording may have been unfortunate and I unreservedly apologise for any offence caused. I certainly didn't intend my words to be interpreted as an attack of Wyre Forest district council employees."