A KEY member of a town retail group has resigned.

The secretary of Droitwich Spa Association for Retail, Tourism and Services (DARTS), Clive Davies, stood down last week.

Mr Davies said: "I do not feel I am in a position to continue in the role.

"I simply do not have time to perform the administrative tasks of running the organisation."

But the landscape gardener plans to remain a group member.

DARTS chairman Richard Brighton said an informal meeting was due to be held with members last night to discuss plans for the future. There will be an executive committee meeting in two weeks.

Mr Brighton said there are ideas in the pipeline and several interested parties who want to be more involved with DARTS.

Wychavon District Council's town centres manager, Lew Hammond, said: "I'm sure DARTS will go from strength to strength.

"There appears to be a new energy to get the association back on course and give the town its proper profile.

"Members Richard Brighton and Terry Spencer, along with others, are working hard and looking to ensure the success of the venture."

Mr Hammond is confident that DARTS has got an exciting future. In January, members made a desperate plea for new blood on the executive committee following the resignations of chairman Alison Alsbury, the former Salters Shopping Centre manager, and vice-chairman Kevin O'Donnell, who left after closing his town shop.

Mr Davies sent letters and questionnaires to members encouraging them to voice their ideas for the group and play a key part in getting it back on its feet.