APATHETIC shopkeepers in Droitwich are halting the development of the town, it has been claimed.

In a scathing attack several councillors accused the majority of landlords of not looking "beyond their daily takings".

The comments came after plans for a major revamp of the High Street were announced.

Initial plans include the complete pedestrianisation of the area and consulting shoppers on what they would like to see.

Many town council members are reluctant to ask traders for their thoughts, however, because they have shown a lack of interest in the past.

"There is a lot of development in Droitwich at the moment that will bring people back into the town," said Droitwich town and Wychavon district councillor Terry Spencer.

"I do not think the High Street is up to the challenge - we desperately need to improve it.

"However, shopkeepers are probably the last people we would work with, which is a shame.

"They have shown in the past that they are not interested.

"At Christmas, some of them would not even contribute to the lights for the High Street and others refused to put them up. They do not look beyond their daily takings and the town does not need attitudes like that."

Councillor Roy Seabourne, also a town and district councillor, agreed with this.

He suggested the best way forward for the High Street was a feasibility study and a survey with shoppers.

"We should enhance the appearance of the High Street as I believe Waitrose is going to bring in a lot of people," he said.

"There should better street furniture and it should be pedestrianised.

"The future for Droitwich is looking good and I think a refurbishment of the High Street is excellent for the town.

"It is a shame shopkeepers are so apathetic though."