RESIDENTS living by Grove Farm have hit out at councillors who they claim are not giving them enough support as they fight to defeat plans for a business park.

Worcester MP Mike Foster has been handling complaints from residents and says he "lost count" of the number of letters he has had.

Locals are angry about proposals to concrete over the field in order to build 27 office blocks and industrial on the 19-hectare green field site off Meadowbank Drive.

Mr Foster said: "I am being bombarded by local residents furious at how they are treated. I can understand their anger.

"I lost count of the amount of letters I have had on it. It's not good enough."

The plan - submitted by Spen Hill Developers Ltd - would create 3,000 jobs. It has been bitterly opposed by a 200-strong group called Grove Farm Residents Voice - who say the development will cause pollution and congestion.

"Councillors keep saying they'd rather keep their vote on the planning committee than represent us," said John Isherwood, of Westley Close.

"We asked them to support us by speaking on our behalf at planning, but they said we can address the committee ourselves.

"When we vote these people in we do it because we want them to represent us.

"Nobody will tell us how we are going to deal with all the traffic the plans would cause."

Leesa Laird, 36, of Meadowbank Drive, said: "We are extremely dissatisfied with the lack of support from our elected councillors for the Bedwardine Ward.

"As a community we expect them to fully voice our concerns."

Stuart Worrall, 33, of Westley Close said: "I'm totally against the plans. I think it's a done thing anyway and anything we say won't make a difference."

Coun Barry Mackenzie-Williams, who serves in Bewardine, said: "I have assured the residents anything they want to put to the committee will be considered.

"I can't stand on the battle line with them because I am vice chair of planning.

"A development like this needs experienced councillors to sit on it and I have to remain impartial to do so."

Coun Derek Prodger, who also represents Bewardine, said it was difficult for him to comment.

"I understand people's concerns about transport issues and the environment.

"I want people to know I can't comment on the plans because of my position, but I understand how people feel."

A planning committee is set to consider the plans in April or May.