A CALL for an apology from MP Julie Kirkbride, abolishing health "watchdog" committees, better bus services and converting vehicles to gas were among the motions due to be discussed at last night's meeting of Bromsgrove District Council.

Of the six items on the agenda, three were from Labour group leader Cllr Peter McDonald, (Uffdown and Waseley) and two from a Labour colleague, Cllr Dave McGrath.

Cllr McDonald wanted the council to call on Julie Kirkbride, his Tory opponent in the next General Election, to apologise to young, single and elderly Bromsgrove residents over what he called disparaging remarks made by her in the Commons in February.

He claims she was suggesting they should move to Birmingham to live.

Cllr McDonald wanted every council taxpayer in the district to be sent copies of the council's Have your Say questionnaire instead of one being sent to each household.

He also wanted the council to support the Government's "family friendly" policies.

Cllr McGrath (Beacon) urged that all new and existing council vehicles should be converted to run on gas.

He also wanted the council, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, to create a quality bus service for residents.

Cllr Elizabeth Shaw (Con, Stoney Hill) asked councillors to register their opposition to a plan to abolish Community Health Councils (CHCs) and replace them with Patient Advocacy and Liaison Services. She argued CHCs should instead be enlarged and reformed.