Region's Black Country title
The Black Country will feature in the title of a proposed West Midlands city region after a compromise was thrashed out to avoid domination by Birmingham. It has been agreed that a powerful new strategic policy-making body would be called the Birmingham, Coventry and the Black Country City Region.
It comes after more than six months of heated argument by politicians and business leaders in the region.
But civic and business leaders said the title could be snappier with one branding it "mind-blowing stupidity".
The eight-member local authorities of the shadow city region ignored the recommendations of their own consultant's report, which cost £10,000 and placed Greater Birmingham at the top of a possible shortlist of names.
Other titles recommended by Urban Communications were The Birmingham City Region, The City Region & Birmingham, Heart of England, Central England, Central City Region and New England.
The compromise was designed to reflect sensitivities by councils in Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Coventry about Birmingham domination.
The two remaining members of the city region venture - Solihull and Telford & Wrekin councils - said they were content not to be included in the name.
Chairman of the West Midlands branch of the Institute of Directors, John James, said: "This is a decision of mind-blowing stupidity. The name has no merit and is totally unacceptable. It is the worst of all possible compromises and will not sell the region abroad."
Peter Bilson, deputy leader of Wolverhampton City Council, said he would prefer a catchier title.
By Louise Watt and Stuart Pollitt
