COUNCIL tax payers in Bromsgrove have been short-changed after the £273,000 revamp of the town's bus station, it is claimed.

The Labour group on Bromsgrove District Council say the improvements to the Market Street station, which were completed just before Christmas, do not represent good value for money, and it is asking for an inquiry.

The work involved widening the narrow bridge at the end of Mill Lane, installing new drainage systems, traffic signals and road resurfacing.

Group leader Councillor Peter McDonald (Waseley), who also represents Rubery on the county council, said: "We just cannot see where that sort of money has been spent. You can't see any major improvements. The new railings that have been erected must be gold plated.

"I could have understood it if the cost had included new toilets, but we are left with the very shabby old ones, which are a disgrace to the town."

The district council's share of the total cost of the £273,350 project was £100,000 - the rest came from the county council.

Labour will now ask members of the district council's scrutiny committee to investigate.

But district council leader Roger Hollingworth (Con-Alvechurch) said the improvements form part of the town centre redevelopment plan and will improve safety and assist the town's new Shopmobility scheme.

"I believe the £100,000 contribution we made, to benefit Bromsgrove people, is good value for money," he said.

"But, if Councillor McDonald thinks the total cost of £273,350 is excessive, then he and his fellow county councillors should raise it at County Hall."