A PROJECT to turn a derelict building in Winyates Centre into a hostel for homeless people has been shelved because it would cost Redditch Council too much.

Two weeks ago, Council Leader David Cartwright told the Advertiser about the plans for the former nursing home.

But his comments sparked fury among Conservative councillors, who have slammed the Labour leader for his lack of democracy.

The £1 million scheme, which would have replaced the facility in operation at Upper Norgrove House in Webheath, was due to be debated at an executive committee tonight but the report has been withdrawn.

Tory group leader Carole Gandy, who says she knew nothing about the proposal, said: "It would appear Councillor Cartwright is copying his party leader Tony Blair in announcing via the press his plans in advance of any report being presented to elected members for discussion. So much for democracy."

In the article, Mr Cartwright also stated Step Out Drop In, which he manages, would run the scheme on behalf of the council.

Mrs Gandy said: "My understanding from officers is that even if in principle the scheme was agreed, there would follow a fairly lengthy process to decide on the best partner organisation to manage the scheme.

"I am surprised that despite being employed by Step Out Drop In and his obvious conflict of interest, Councillor Cartwright chose to make such a detailed statement.

"As a party, we believe it will be extremely difficult now for any meaningful debate to take place on the subject and his ill-considered comments may well have jeopardised any chance of a partnership between the council and Step Out Drop In," she added.

But Mr Cartwright said the link between Step Out and the council would have been a simple partnership, not a contract.

He said: "We have decided to withdraw it because the costs are prohibitive.

"We are rethinking the whole project and how we can get external funding and we could also look at a cheaper option."