Blackheath's deputy Tory leader and traders' association secretary has hit back after a high-level Labour cabinet member questioned her loyalty to the job.

At a meeting of the Rowley Regis Town Committee, councillor Iris Boucher questioned whether cllr Mary Docker was a councillor or traders' association secretary.

The attack followed an enquiry by cllr Docker into funding for Blackheath's Christmas Lights switch-on, organised by the town's Business and Community Association.

Cllr Boucher said: "I ask myself where Cllr Docker's loyalties lie.

"You are either a councillor for Blackheath or a secretary for the traders' association. Please keep your personal opinions from a public meeting."

The meeting was called to order by chair, cllr Barbara Price, who told the two to stop their slanging match'.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Docker said: "I would like her to explain her statement.

"This type of behaviour was also witnessed by members of the public at the meeting and several have commented on it."

She added: "One of the main reasons I was elected by the community was because of the work I have done for Blackheath for a decade.

"I can't see why the two positions conflict."

She added Sandwell's Conservative leader, Cllr Tony Ward, was looking into the incident.