A TOWN councillor who says democracy is dead is planning to march with a coffin through Malvern in protest at the policies of district and county councils.

Cllr Martin Lawrence is inviting 150 people to help him finance the march and carry the coffin to mark their disgust.

Among the policies he objects to are what he calls "the housing free-for-all planning fiasco" and the wheelie bin policy of Malvern Hills District Council, and Worcestershire County Council's decision to spend £8 million on revamping the Ketch roundabout outside Worcester and £165 million on the Hartlebury incinerator.

New parking restrictions which he says are killing off local businesses and restrictions on trailers using the tip in Malvern Link have also drawn his wrath.

He said: "In recognition that democracy has died, I invite residents and traders to join me in a funeral procession, with a full-size cardboard coffin; starting at Belle Vue Terrace in Malvern,walking to Barnards Green, then on to the dump in Malvern Link.

"A cardboard coffin can be purchased from Ebay for just £150 including delivery; if 150 residents wish to chip in £1 each.

"they can register their intention to join me, taking turns as pallbearers, by emailing me at martinlawrence4chase@gmail.com. If anyone knows of a brass band that can join us that would be great."