PLANS for a shared legal service between Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council have been given an initial green light.

Members of Malvern Hills District Council approved the merger - which it is hoped will save £60,000 per annum - at a meeting on Tuesday (December 1).

Wychavon District Council will vote on the scheme on Wednesday, December 16.

This potential change after the two district council agreed to combine senior management teams in October, a policy that will save each council £140,000 a year for an initial cost of £110,000.

But the merger has proved contentious with some critics fearful a loss of staff will ultimately end in the amalgamation of the two councils.