UNHAPPY Hagley residents hit out after this week's Clent Parish Council meeting had to be called off - because only two councillors turned up.

Rules dictate there must be a minimum of three councillors present to form a quorum so the meeting can legally go ahead.

Around 15 residents turned up to the meeting at Hagley Free Church as a number of key issues were on the agenda.

Chris Morgan, of Western Road, said: "It beggars belief that out of a total of nine parish councillors, only two turned up - chairman Nick Sugden and councillor Ed Sheppard.

"I felt sorry for Nick. He's a good guy, but the rest of his councillors let him down.

"I accept that one of the councillors is ill, but two out of eight is unacceptable."

Fellow Hagley resident Lee Fowkes, also of Western Road, added: "I can't believe they couldn't have rounded up a third councillor. Surely they could have whipped up someone.

"It feels as though we are being denied our democratic right.

"There's a planning issue that effects Western Road where I live and I wanted to bring it up at any other business.

"I've got no complaints with Nick Sugden, he puts life and soul into what is sometimes a thankless task, but he was badly let down by the rest of his team."

Peter Rowbottom, of Kidderminster Road South, said: "Clearly numerous Clent parish councillors are more interested in making private arrangements to suit themselves than serving their parishioners as councillors by attending a public meeting.

"If councillors cannot commit to their parishioners, they should seriously consider resigning from their roles.

"This totally farcical episode surely brings Clent Parish Council into disrepute and can only further alienate them from their parishioners."

Cllr Sugden claimed in a statement: "There were no decisions of an urgent nature required which could not be carried over to the next meeting. They will now be raised at our November meeting.

"At the start of the meeting, this was fully explained to all those members of the public in attendance.

"The democratic half hour public question time did take place at which anyone present was able to raise issues in a question and answer session and many did.

"The meeting could have been cancelled at any time up to six days before the meeting, but public meetings are a very important part of our dialogue with parishioners.

"We decided to go ahead as planned, to provide a full explanation regarding decisions and to answer any points raised.

"We remain committed to providing an open and transparent parish council, helping to make our parish a great place to live."