TRIBUTES have been paid to a duo of leading Bromsgrove politicians who are about to step down.

As the Advertiser first revealed in February, Councillor Anthony Blagg and wife Councillor Sheila Blagg are quitting Worcestershire County Council.

They have now done their last cabinet meeting, where tributes were paid to their time in office.

Councillor Anthony Blagg, the deputy leader and cabinet member for the environment, was praised for his role creating the £165 million incinerator at Hartlebury, something he has taken public flak for over the years.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "I'd like to pay tribute to Anthony, particularly on the energy-from-waste plant (the incinerator) - it's been extremely difficult.

"Unfortunately the public has been very critical of Anthony's role, which I think is pretty disgusting but as politicians, we have to accept that.

"But Anthony has stuck by it, and has known this project, and every bit connected with it, inside out.

"He must wake up in the night rehearsing his response to the next lot of public criticism he's going to get.

"But he's seen it through - I'm particularly sad he is not standing for re-election but as he says, his job is done."

Councillor Ken Pollock, the cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, called the plant "a long and tortuous process" and also paid his own tribute.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for children and families, said Cllr Sheila Blagg was Worcestershire's answer to "no drama Obama", a nickname for former US President Barack Obama, for her no-nonsense stewardship of the finances with her adult care cabinet role.

On Cllr Anthony Blagg, he said: "The energy-from-waste plant is an enormous undertaking.

"For it to come in almost to the second it was planned? There are many very large private and public sector projects that would have given their high teeth for that."

During the meeting Councillor Simon Geraghty, the leader, also paid tribute to them.

The couple are relocating for a new life in the north of England near Hadrian's wall after May's elections.

Following next month's poll at least three cabinet seats will be filled by new faces, with Cllr Bayliss also stepping down.

The elections are on Thursday, May 4 with all 57 seats at County Hall up for grabs.