EXCLUSIVE ********* POSTCARDS showing four computer generated figures holding happy' and sad' signs which are being distributed by Bromsgrove District Council to gauge what makes residents feel Glad or Grumpy' have been branded racist - because those held by two black figures look glum.

The Labour group on the council claims it is stereotyping of the worst kind' and has demanded the cards are withdrawn immediately.

The ruling Conservatives, however, claim Labour is playing the political correctness card And the council, after consulting the Commission for Racial Equality, which agreed with the authority they are not offensive or unlawful, has refused.

The Glad or Grumpy cards are being widely distributed in the district, including through the Advertiser/Messenger, by the Bromsgrove Partnership.

Residents are asked to state on the reverse what makes them feel good or otherwise about living in the district to help the partnership improve people's quality of life.

Labour group leader, Cllr Peter McDonald (Waseley), said a resident, not from an ethnic background, had alerted him to the card's alleged bias against black people.

Cllr McDonald said: "I believe the card is silly and offensive and the worst type of stereotyping I have seen in a long time.

"I asked council chief executive Kevin Dicks to withdraw or change it, but it hasn't yet happened. Until it is changed Labour will not be associated with it."

He added feedback from black people he has consulted on the matter suggests the card is liable to upset some people Yesterday the council's communications manager, Anne-Marie Darroch, said: "When Cllr McDonald asked us to withdraw the card we sought advice from the Commission for Racial Equality which informed us there are no racist issues as at least one figure has to represent grumpy.

"The card has also been inspected by our own Equalities and Diversity Forum which similarly raised no concerns."

She added the cards, which continue to be filled in by people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, have been a phenomenal success and are a valuable aid to gathering information.

Tory council leader, Cllr Roger Hollingworth, declared: "This is political correctness gone mad."

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