RESIDENTS frustrated with their parish council say they are taking matters into their own hands and have formed their own group.

The new chairman of the Wychbold Residents Association, Les Colley, said it was "drastic action" but necessary as residents had 'not been listened to' by Dodderhill Parish Council for years.

"There has been a bit of conflict between villagers and parish councillors and we weren't getting anywhere, so a group of us decided it would be a good idea to form the association", he said.

"There are certain things we can't do, which the parish council are responsible for, we know that.

"But there is a lot things we can, starting with tidying the village up. You can adopt a street and clean it, we are doing that through Wychavon District Council.

"I want to stress this is in no way to fight a battle with the parish council. But we believe no one is listening to us, so it is up to us to get what villagers want.

"We are interested in the things people are concerned with. Tidying up the village, the parish council can't stop us doing that.

"Wychbold doesn't have its own war memorial, which people want.

"Speeding is a concern for residents, people parking on pavements. We can encourage people not to do it, talk to authorities and raise these issues."

Les said, as chairman of the Wychbold Royal British Legion, he was also organising an event for the Queen's Jubilee next year, which would also be supported by the new residents association.

"I had to send an email to the parish council to say we do not want them involved in any way, due to the historical differences," he said.

"Every time they tried to organise something people don't go because it's parish council organised - we don't want that, we want it to be a success."

Les added with around 30 members so far they wanted others interested in the residents association to come along to the next meeting, which is taking place at Wychbold Sports and Social Club, in School Road at 6.30pm on October 5.

WEarlier this week Carry Smart quit as a Dodderhill Parish councillor.

And, in June, Tracy Bodley also said she was quitting over allegations of bullying - the fifth clerk to leave their post within four years.

Dodderhill Parish Council chairman Alyson Keane was approached for comment, but did not respond.