Councils have rejected an offer to buy land owned by doomed quango Advantage West Midlands, it emerged today.

The Government is offering to sell plots at full market value but cash-strapped councils cannot afford it.

Staffordshire councils rejected the offer, as did Dudley and Sandwell, but Walsall and Wolverhampton say discussions continue.

The Government approved taxpayer-owned properties going on the market in preparation for closure of AWM, the £300-million-a-year regional development agency.

Council leaders called for as many assets as possible to stay in public ownership, and hoped they would get to take them on so they could carry on with regeneration.

To read our stories in full, log in to the premium 24 website.