COUNCILLORS in Worcester have got hot under the collar about a controversial European trade deal with America - calling for more transparency over it.

During a fierce Worcester City Council debate, a vote took place on intervening over the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), a move to break down economic barriers across the pond.

The discussions are taking place behind closed doors leading to serious concern, mainly from left wing campaigners, that any agreement could have unintended consequences by giving large corporations excessive power.

Green Councillor Neil Laurenson came under criticism during a full council meeting for raising the topic, with some politicians saying the Worcester public have bigger concerns.

Cllr Laurenson said the letters pages of your Worcester News was one of his reasons for bringing it forward.

"People have been investigating this and don't like what they see," he said.

"We need to promote people's concerns, not just put them to one side - the stakes could not be higher.

"I am raising this because I believe it will have a direct bearing on people in Worcester and beyond."

He was backed up by the Labour Party, which said the trade deal should be "open and transparent".

Councillor Adrian Gregson, Labour group leader, said: "This matter is of significant interest, people are talking about it in the pubs, the shops, the newspapers, radio.

"If you (the Conservatives) trust this process, then rather than have it kept secret, let's see it and have an opportunity to influence it."

A motion before the councillors called upon managing director Duncan Sharkey to write to Business Secretary Vince Cable expressing "deep concern" about the talks.

It also called upon the Government to allow access to all the documents from the secret discussions.

But the motion was voted down, with other councillors saying the trade deal is backed nationally by every political party except the Greens.

Conservative Councillor Marc Bayliss, the deputy leader and cabinet member for economic prosperity, said: "I've been out in the St Stephen (city council) ward and the 'tip' is a hot topic on the doorstep alright, but it's the actual recycling centre (in Bilford Road) and not the 'TTIP'.

"What these trade discussions are about is reducing tariffs with the largest economy in the world - the main focus is reducing barriers and regulation.

"The Government has calculated it could add £10 billion to the UK economy and create two million jobs."

He said the Green Party "stands alone" nationally in opposing it, saying it wanted to "return to a mythical age" of less business influence.

Labour Councillor Pat Agar raised fears about the NHS becoming at risk of greater privatisation, but in response Tory Councillor Chris Mitchell said he found it "amazing" politicians "wanted to knock something that will open up trade".

Cllr Agar said: "One of the dangers of this is the potential for it to privatise things we value greatly, like the NHS.

"The dangers when you open up trade barriers are very clear - we need to ensure we are very careful to protect the things we value."

Cllr Mitchell said he took "offence" to councillors publicly criticising businesses, saying they create jobs and generate cash for the Government.

Councillor Liz Smith, a Liberal Democrat, said she would vote for the motion on the grounds of greater transparency, but backed the general principles of the trade talks, but it was defeated regardless.