KIDDERMINSTER residents have overwhelmingly voted in favour of creating a separate council for the town.

People voting in the parliamentary and district council elections in Kidderminster on Thursday were also asked to decide on whether or not they wanted a town council, similar to ones already established in Stourport and Bewdley.

And, as a result of this local advisory poll, a total of 18,264 people voted in favour with 4,668 rejecting the idea, representing a turnout of 53.3 per cent.

The poll is part of the wider consultation process with the final decision set to be taken by Wyre Forest District Council on July 29.

If established, Kidderminster Town Council will have more power to provide and run services and facilities in the town.

It could provide funding towards local projects, activities and initiatives that would benefit the town.

Residents could see a rise in their council tax as it would be up to the town council to decide how much funding it wishes to raise through bills.

People living in the new district wards of Broadwaters, Offmore & Comberton, Aggborough & Spennells, Foley Park & Hoobrook, Blakebrook & Habberley South and Franche & Habberley North were asked to vote on this issue.