Birmingham's regeneration chief yesterday hit back at claims that the ruling administration could not deliver on big projects as he outlined ambitious plans for Eastside.

Coun Ken Hardeman, for regeneration, was speaking as the cabinet discussed plans for a new city park.

Details on the wider regeneration of the Eastside district of Birmingham through a partnership with regional development agency Advantage West Midlands were also considered by council leaders.

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The ruling Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition has been accused by Labour opposition members of "dithering".

However, Coun Hardeman (Con Brandwood) hit back as he spoke of plans for Birmingham's first city centre park for more than 100 years.

He said : "This park is something that has been talked about for six years, but if the plans that I am putting forward succeed, we could have it by 2009."

Coun Marje Bridle (Lab Shard End) said: "I am pleased to hear that plans developed by Labour are finally being acted on."