TOWNSFOLK are being urged to cast their vote for an issue 'more important than the forthcoming General Election': whether or not the Bannister family should part company with Bromsgrove Rovers.

The independent Bromsgrove Rovers Supporters' Society is setting up a stall next to the Housman Statue, in Bromsgrove High Street this Saturday, where people can vote in a ballot box over whether they support the club's current management.

The move comes after the society prepared a bid for fans to take over the club from the Bannister family, which includes majority shareholder Pat Bannister, reserve and youth team boss Paul Bannister, PR officer Andrew Bannister and commercial manager Simon Bannister.

Society press officer Peter O'Connell said: "Never mind the election -- this is the most important ballot in Bromsgrove. We want to know the opinion of the people in the town over the Bannisters. We want to know if they really do want them in charge of Rovers."

The stall, which will also have forms to join up to the society, will be open between 10am and 12.30pm for the next two Saturdays.

Meanwhile, society members were locked in talks with Rovers administrators yesterday to discuss their bid.

O'Connell explained: "It's a fact-finding mission for us. A bid can't be finalised until we know what we're up against.

"We're hoping the administrator will tell us about any other bids and if Pat's ready to sell his shares.

"No-one will work with the Bannisters until they reveal their intentions.

"We're prepared to work with anyone for the benefit of the club but the Bannisters have to put their cards on the table and tell us everything."

Director of football Steve Daniels is currently acting as mediator between Pat Bannister and the society, after the chief executive vowed he would never work with society members Tom Herbert and Phil Baker.

Daniels is set to hold crunch talks with the current playing staff tomorrow to decide who will be staying to play in the club's Midland Alliance campaign next season.

l The society hold a fundraising race night at the Bewell Head Working Men's Club on Friday June 8. Entry is free, with the action starting at 8pm.