A LEADER'S question time is to be introduced to Redditch Council meetings as part of a major revamp to make them more interesting and not just "cures for insomnia".

Council Leader David Cartwright wants to scrap all administrative items at the start of meetings to allow time for proper debates on key issues.

Members of the public are also to have far more involvement in council meetings under the plans, which are being discussed at an executive committee meeting tonight.

Mr Cartwright said: "We want to have a leader's question time of about 15-20 minutes when members of the public and fellow councillors can ask questions.

"We also want to change the format of meetings and have key issue meetings to debate specific things that affect people in Redditch - anything such as health or transport.

"There are some issues where there is not a specific Labour or a Conservative view for instance.

"So it would give an opportunity for individuals to express their own thoughts."

Mr Cartwright said one typical meeting could be dedicated to discussing the pedestrianisation of the town centre.

"It's all about making council meetings more interesting and not cures for insomnia.

"This will be an opportunity for people who have concerns or complaints about anything to come and raise the issue or ask questions," he added.