INDEPENDENT councillors in Bromsgrove have split into two groups to ensure they best serve their communities.
Bromsgrove Alliance, the biggest opposition group at the District Council, has reviewed and reflected on its priorities following a tough year with Covid-19.
The group has divided itself into ‘East’ and ‘West’ sides of the district to ‘better tackle problems in each area’.
The East District group includes: Alvechurch Village (Coun Kate Van der Plank – leader), Alvechurch South (Coun Annette English), Barnt Green (Coun Charles Hotham) and Drakes Cross (Coun Sue Baxter – deputy leader).
The West District group includes: Hagley West (Coun Steve Colella – leader), Hagley East (Coun Rachel Jenkins), Sidemoor (Coun Sue Douglas), Charford (Coun Michael Thompson- deputy leader).
Coun Colella, said: “As we evolve, it is essential to focus local and keep the interests of our residents at the heart of everything we do.
“Bromsgrove includes a diverse range of wards, from villages to town centres, which are all facing different challenges around transport, congestion, planning and development of the green belt.
“There are particular differences between the east and west sides of the District; roughly either side of the M5.
“To address this and remain relevant and focused, the Bromsgrove Alliance group of independent councillors will be re-grouping into two smaller, more targeted groups.”
Coun Sue Baxter, who has served on the council for more than 14 years, believes she will better represent the interests of local residents by being focused on their unique and specific issues.
“We will continue to work closely together and remain keen to work collaboratively with all councillors from all sides of the political spectrum,” she said.
