CAMPAIGNERS in Marlbrook who have battled for months to stop their post office being turned into a Chinese take-away spoke of their dismay yesterday after being told district council planners are backing the plan.

Resident Alfred Cross, who lives next door to the premises, near the Marlbrook crossroads on Birmingham Road, and his son Derek, have fought a vigorous battle to stop the scheme.

They have enlisted the support of hundreds of residents who like them fear the take-away, which will incorporate a restaurant, will create nuisances such as litter and smells, will attract yobs and drive down property prices.

The loss of the post office facility will also be a major blow to the elderly and those with children they claim.

The town's MP Julie Kirkbride, the Bromsgrove Society and Labour's Cllr Bill Newnes, who represents Catshill on the district council, have all condemned the proposal.

The council has received 53 letters of objection from worried residents.

Yesterday we informed Derek and Alfred that council officers are recommending councillors to grant permission when they meet next Monday, September 3, for their monthly planning meeting.

Mr Cross senior said the area is already well served for fast food outlets. He added: "I'm 81 and my wife is 79. If the scheme gets the go ahead it will blight our lives."

Derek said an overwhelming number of people are against the plan and stressed the battle is not yet lost.

"They can contact their district councillors to urge them to do their democratic duty to overturn the recommendation, and attend Monday's meeting, to give them support," he said.

In a report planning chief Malcolm Griffiths said conditions could be imposed that would reduce the impact of the development on residents.

The meeting, which is open to the public, starts at 2pm in the Council House in Burcot Lane.