THREE experienced Tory district councillors, suspended for daring to defy group rules, were defiant this week as they received support from campaigners opposed to development of the Victoria Ground.

The trio, former Tory leader Councillor Nick Psirides (Norton), long serving member Ann Doyle (Hillside) and Dr Elizabeth Lammie (Slideslow) were, in an unprecedented move, suspended for six months by council leader Cllr Dennis Norton last week.

They are barred from group meetings but still have to abide by the Tory whip.

Cllr Norton (St John's) declined to comment but last week said it was for "breaching group rules."

This comes at a time when local Tory councillors are being criticised because they say they are being kept in the dark over the Rovers' ground development.

All three are alleged to have broken the rule regarding speaking and voting collectively at a special meeting of the full council on August 12. The meeting was called to agree that the district council should sign a secret deal to develop land between Birmingham and Stourbridge roads. They have also been stripped of special responsibilities.

During the meeting, noting the anxiety of the large number of residents in the public gallery, Cllr Psirides proposed that a district-wide referendum should be held before a brick is laid.

Cllr Lammie seconded him while Cllr Doyle voted against a proposal to slap compulsory purchase orders on owners standing in the way of any development. Eight other Tories abstained.

Now the action of the three councillors is being backed by the Rovers ground campaigners, who are concerned about plans to build on the site.

Campaign spokesman Don Ross said "We are absolutely disgusted at their treatment. They have paid a high price for acting democratically."

Cllr Doyle said she was "sad they have paid the penalty for speaking out, especially as MP Julie Kirkbride has added her support for a referendum and condemned secrecy within the council."

Referring to that cloak of secrecy she declared: "I'm also saddened the Tory group is being dubbed the "Mushroom Club" - being kept in the dark and having fertiliser thrown at us."

Cllr Lammie said she sided with Cllr Psirides because an original proposal agreed by the group over "consultation" was "woolly" and she believed it important that townspeople should have a say over such an important issue.

A Tory councillor sympathetic to the three said: "They are being unjustly punished. Deputy leader Margaret Taylor herself immediately seconded Cllr Psirides' proposal which was agreed unanimously. Why haven't all the group been censured"?

l CAMPAIGNERS against the proposed development of the Victoria Ground and land nearby have called a public meeting.

It is set to take place at Parkside Middle School in Stourbridge Road on Thursday, October 16, starting at 7pm.

Campaign spokesman Don Ross said district councillors are being invited to attend and all are welcome to go along.