Views sought on future Worcestershire councils

The government is asking people for their opinions on a series of options for the future of local government in Worcestershire.

As part of a seven-week consultation, two proposals could "reshape" the way council services like bin collections and highway maintenance are delivered.

One plan would see the creation of two new councils - one covering the north of the county and another covering the south - while another proposal would see a single authority covering the whole of Worcestershire.

Worcester City Council leader Lynn Denham urged residents and businesses to get involved as it would be the "biggest change" to local councils in "more than a generation".

Under the plan to split the county in two, the authority covering the north would merge Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest councils, while the south would absorb Worcester City, Malvern Hills and Wychavon.

The government is expected to make a final decision on its plans for local government reorganisation in the summer.

The new unitary councils are expected to go live from April 2028, with elections to new shadow unitary councils in May 2027.

The consultation runs until 00:00 GMT on 26 March.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.