TORY leader Iain Duncan Smith is not alone in having to battle with disaffected members from within his own party.

The leader of the ruling Conservative group on Bromsgrove District Council is also facing a stiff challenge from the three angry councillors whom he suspended for six months in September for what, at the time, was said to be a "flagrant breach of the group's rules".

Now the "Bromsgrove Three", as they are being dubbed within the Council House - Councillors Nick Psirides, Ann Doyle and Dr Elizabeth Lammie - are believed to have sought the advice of leading counsel and may follow it up with action in the High Court.

In addition the matter has been referred to the Conservative Party hierarchy in London.

The three claim their human rights have been violated and that they have been treated harshly by Cllr Norton.

They fell foul of the leadership for failing to follow a pre-arranged group decision at a council meeting when it was agreed to strike a deal with a company over the development of Bromsgrove Rovers' Victoria Ground and adjacent land.

In their defence the three claim that at the meeting, at the last minute, an amendment by the deputy leader and a request by Cllr McDonald (Lab-Waseley) to vote on the proposals separately threw the pre-arrange plan into the melting pot.

Neither the three councillors nor Cllr Norton wished to comment.