A RIVERSIDE beauty spot is set to be developed to the tune of £25,000 after plans were approved this week.

The Avon Meadows, which run alongside the river behind Cherry Orchard Road, Pershore, are having a series of improvements which will aim to improve access and the public's enjoyment of the area.

Wychavon District Council's heritage officer Jim Burgin first presented proposals on February 1.

After talks with town councillors, the plans have been finalised and work will begin later this month.

Mr Burgin has drawn up a 10-point plan which includes the reinstatement of the pond-dipping platform, footbridge and boardwalk behind Cherry Orchard Primary School, previously vandalised.

The other plans include a riverside path, new timber footbridges, information and interpretation panels, benches and new tree planting. Stiles will also be replaced with gates to provide easier access.

Mr Burgin said: "The consultation with the town council has been successful and it is happy with the proposals. After laying out my plans, there was a chance for councillors to suggest other ideas and they have all been taken into consideration in our plans.

"So we are to go ahead with our list of enhancements to improve visitors' experiences at the Avon Meadows and we are currently in talks with contractors with a view to beginning the work during March."

The money to enable the scheme to take place will come from Pershore Market Town Partnership.