A WORCESTERSHIRE beauty sport is set to be handed over to the National Trust, despite fierce opposition to the move.

The decision to give Kingsford Forest Park, a popular tourist attraction, to the charity was given the backing of the Worcestershire County Council cabinet this week, with councillors calling it "good news".

It is part of a wider project by the council to find new operators for council-owned assets around the county in a bid to save money.

In this case the annual saving of the park, which is based in a hamlet near Kidderminster, features vast open heathland, miles of sandy tracks, pine forests, picnic benches, broadleaved woods and is worth around £75,000, is said to be £30,000.

But the deal is strongly opposed by the labour group leader, councillor Peter McDonald, who said residents could be forced to pay twice to use a park they currently own.

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, of the conservative cabinet, said: "This really is a piece of good news. Annual savings will be around £30,000."

And Cllr John Campion added it was a "very straight forward transfer of an asset".

"It makes common sense that we join up to continue to deliver this site to the public," he added. "I am very pleased to see us working in partnership like this to ensure we keep our open spaces."

But opposition leader Cllr McDonald said he could not see how the move was good news.

"How could it be that residents of Worcestershire prior to this meeting actually owned Kingsford Forest Park and afterwards will not?" he asked.

"This is not a partnership. This is the jewel of the crown being handed over to the National Trust. If they so wish in three years they can introduce parking charges.

"We will see no savings but we will pay twice, we will continue paying the council tax if they wish to roam Kingsford Forest Park they will have to pay parking.

"I think that's rather disgusting."

But the cabinet dismissed the claims saying there was plenty of on street parking in the area and entry charges could not be brought it.

Cllr Marcus Hart added: "I think this shows why we run the council and he sits in opposition. This is a no brainer."