A PIONEERING group, which wants to abolish Lickey End Parish Council before it has been formed, has put forward ten names for Election Day on May 3.

The Anti-Parish Council Group has put the wheels in motion to form the body so when in power its first decision will be to return the village to its original state.

The group was launched in January after the Government agreed to the council being set up on April 1 despite a 700-name petition from homeowners.

Bromsgrove District Council originally was against the move, but later decided to show its support to the Government, which had the power to overrule the authority's recommendations.

Before local elections on May 3 the parish council will be run by three district councillors.

If voted in, the ten 'bogus' parish councillors will immediately disband.

However, if they don't have a majority they will become a 'lazy council' -- the only paid post of clerk will be scrapped and members will not claim expenses.

A group spokesman said: "To give the residents of Lickey End an opportunity to reject another rate-levying body, ten local electors have put their names forward.

"We have been inundated with supporters and could have put another 30 forward.

"If elected, our one and only act will be to return Lickey End to its unparished state."

Council leader Nick Psirides (Con, Norton) who will initially be leading the parish body, said: "Every candidate will be treated as a serious candidate and it is up to residents of Lickey End to vote accordingly -- whether for or against the formation of a parish council for the area."