A MOTION calling for a new town centre committee was thrown out at the last full meeting of Bromsgrove District Council.

Labour councillor Chris Bloore proposed the motion calling for the creation of a town centre partnership at the meeting of the authority, held on February 25.

The plan was for the partnership to include a membership made up of elected members, the portfolio holder for the town centre and four representatives from businesses and community organisations.

Proposing the motion Cllr Bloore said there had been a massive communication problem between the authority and traders in Bromsgrove, which the setting up of a committee would address.

Councillor Rita Dent, the portfolio holder for the town centre, said a report looking at options, including such a committee, was currently underway.

Councillor Brian Cooper said: "What worries me is would this become an ineffective talking shop?

"This proposal needs more thought."

Councillor Kit Taylor said the motion had got the right sentiment, but needed to be expanded.

Cllr Bloore highlighted Conservative councillors saying it was a good motion, and alleged it was only because he is Labour councillor that it wasn't being passed.

At one point it looked as if it would get cross party support with an amendment, proposed by Cllr Cooper, that ensured the terms of reference and membership would be confirmed before the committee was established, and the matter would be revisited after the election.

But Labour group members rejected this as they felt it altered the original motion too much.

A vote was taken and the motion was rejected.