WARY councillors have made an about-turn and recommended Lickey End have its own parish council.

Bromsgrove District Council's policy and resources committee has agreed to propose to the Government that the authority be formed.

In July members decided the outcome of an earlier survey showed there was insufficient support from residents to justify establishing a parish council.

The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR), which is responsible for making the decision, asked for the council's views on Lickey End as a community.

At a meeting on Wednesday November 1 district secretary Bob Lewis warned the council to tread carefully because the DETR could overrule it and grant the setting up of the parish council.

Members agreed to set up the group but because the majority of Burcot residents, who voted in the survey, did not want the council it has not been included.

But committee chairman Cllr Nick Psirides (Con, Norton) said the door must be left open for the village.

Cllr David McGrath (Lab, Beacon) said it could have been a knee-jerk reaction by Burcot villagers.

Resident Frank Howard, of Alcester Road, who has been campaigning for the parish council, said: "The committee reversed its earlier decision which was very gratifying.

"To do that is not easy and the committee is to be commended.

"I hope we will have keenly contested elections and all residents will give their full support to those elected."

Resident Charles Bateman, of Old Birmingham Road, said: "This will cost residents rather than benefit them because it will mean another tax."