The collapse of the merger between Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon District Councils has been hailed as 'good news for residents' by a Green Party councillor.

Leader of WDC Cllr Andrew Day revealed on Wednesday night that the merger would no longer be going ahead after 'irreconcilable' differences had emerged between the two councils.

Both authorities had voted in favour of the merger last December before writing to Secretary of State Michael Gove to seek government approval.

But following Wednesday's announcement, Cllr Will Roberts said it was a lucky escape that had been caused by the two Tory cabinets.

"This is good news for residents, even though it appears to have happened because of Conservative infighting," he said. 

"We voted against this merger because we weren't convinced that the claims made for change added up and were worth years of cost, chaos and disruption. 

"The merger would also have moved decision-making further away from those affected by the decisions. 

"Local democracy has been eroded by successive governments and we need to protect residents' rights to decide locally on the future of their communities."

The Green Party was the only group to vote down the plans at WDC last December.

And now it is calling for answers.

"Now we have to ask what has happened," Cllr Roberts added. 

"Why have suddenly the two Conservative administrations suddenly pulled back?  

"It seems to me that the ongoing Conservative infighting over control of Warwickshire councils has taken another twist and turn, when the focus should always have been on recovering from the pandemic and improving residents' lives.

"This merger has already caused unnecessary disruption, cost the taxpayer thousands and affected the ability of council officers to focus on their roles to help residents of Warwick District. 

"Councils can work together to deliver better services for residents without merging – let's hope the two administrations now get back to focusing on the day job rather than unnecessary grandiose plans."