OBJECTORS to controversial development plans for Wolverley's Drakelow Tunnels have reacted furiously to a proposed change of venue for a meeting to thrash out the issue.

Wyre Forest District Council chiefs have suggested moving the meeting from its original intended location at Kidderminster's Duke House to Stourport Civic Hall, to accommodate the scores of protesters expected.

The proposal has angered members of the Drakelow Preservation Trust - DPT - which was founded by residents to fight plans by Birmingham-based charity, Jericho, to transform part of the historic site into a training centre for the long-term unemployed.

Andy Cox, DPT's spokesman, said he feared moving the much anticipated decision meeting to Stourport would result in some of the campaigners being unable to attend. He explained: "This is supposed to be a democratic process and people just want the chance to voice their opinions.

"We are expecting about 500 people to turn up for the meeting when it happens but that number could be lowered if it was held in Stourport," he added.

"It would cause difficulties for people who work late to get over there and it is not fair to expect people who cannot drive to get back home from there late at night."

Mr Cox added he had been in contact with Wyre Forest MP, Dr Richard Taylor, to see if he could intervene and get the meeting moved to Wolverley High School's hall.

The council's head of planning, health and environment, Mike Parker, said it was "likely" the meeting would be moved to Stourport Civic Hall but no date had yet been fixed.