THE row about comments made by Redditch Council's planning committee chairman over the proposed Abbey Stadium leisure development has erupted again with Tory calls for his resignation.

Conservative group leader Gavin Smithers said Councillor Clive Cheetham's comments were so damaging to the project, his position was untenable.

Mr Cheetham had said the plans for a multi-use leisure complex on the site were at odds with the council's Local Plan.

But Mr Cartwright denied giving any commitment to de-select Mr Cheetham from the post.

But Mr Cheetham is sticking to his guns.

He said: "The whole thing is barmy.

"If we had an active planning application it would be inappropriate for me to comment - but we don't."