A "RADICAL" shake-up of local democracy has been called for by Wyre Forest Conservatives who have unveiled their proposals for the forthcoming review of district boundaries.

Elections would be held every two years and the number of district councillors would be cut, from 42 to 39, with two councillors per ward, instead of one, two or three at present.

Three new wards would be created in Kidderminster and one in Stourport in a move aimed at reducing the size of electoral areas, bringing "people and their elected councillors closer together". Wyre Forest Conservative Association chairman Phil Green with the

boundary review proposals.

Smaller rural area wards would be unaffected under the proposals, now before the Boundary Commission which is carrying out the review.

It is the first overhaul of Wyre Forest since 1975 and the district council has already submitted its own recommendations. But they don't go far enough, according to Wyre Forest Conservative Association chairman Phil Green, who said the review offered a "golden opportunity" to boost local democracy.

He said: "It's radical thinking and it's the Conservatives at work. There has been no looking for party political advantage."

He accused the council of "tinkering" with the current system and said it had rushed its proposals because it had left its review until June, whereas theirs had begun two years ago.

Mr Green said he hoped the proposal to hold elections for the district council less often would generate more enthusiasm among people to go out and vote and make a saving per year of about £45,000.

The Tory proposals also include the creation of a new Central ward in Kidderminster, along with Spennells, Blakebrook and Franche West, while Stourport would gain Wilden and The Walshes.

The document has also been sent to the district council which will have the chance to comment on the Boundary Commission's final recommendations, expected early next year.