THE outgoing Stourport mayor fears the Health Concern bandwagon will obliterate the opposition if it contests next year's town election.

Labour town councillor Mick Grinnall, who stood down as Mayor of Stourport at last Thursday's annual parish meeting when Labour's Don Giles stepped into office, attacked the party for "trophy hunting" after it captured eight seats - four at Labour's expense - on Bewdley Town Council.

It was the first time the health campaigners had fought a parish election.

Mr Grinnall lost his district council seat of Mitton to Health Concern two weeks ago when he trailed in third place behind the Conservative candidate.

Health Concern took control of Wyre Forest District Council at the election.

Mr Grinnall said: "I'm terrified for Stourport's future. I can't understand why Health Concern should need to go for Bewdley Town Council. I think the whole purpose has been lost. To me it's trophy hunting and the next trophy is here.

"I hope councillors will put up a tremendous fight. Health Concern is not the saving grace of this district. It can only lead to destruction."

Liz Davies, the district leader of Health Concern, which was formed to fight the downgrading of Kidderminster Hospital, later stressed the party needed to be represented on all levels to have an effective voice.

She said: "People's continuing support through the ballot box strengthens Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor's position at Westminster.

"We're giving the electorate the ability to continue to express their support for the hospital campaign. And we're not a single issue party and people see us as a viable alternative."

She added no decision had been taken on whether the party would contest Stourport Town Council seats next year.