THE need for a new medical centre in Upton-upon-Severn is weighed against the disadvantage of spoiling the western approach to the town in a Civic Society report.

The society, dedicated to preserving the beauty of the riverside town and its surroundings, is not happy about radical alterations to Tunnel Hill, where the medical centre will be built in an area of Green Belt.

"We realise there has got to be a new medical centre and that was the only place to put it, but we are very sad.

This is one Civic Society battle we have lost," said former co-chairman, Anne Harker.

Proposed alterations include removing trees and hedges at the entrance, a turning lane, two new bus shelters and a pedestrian crossing.

"We had hoped there would be a Clipper bus going from the town centre or surrounding area and turning into the site, rather than have public service buses stopping on the road," said Mrs Harker.

Her joint report to the society's annual general meeting, with co-chairman Peggy Parkes, said they would like the speed limit in Tunnel Hill reduced from 40 to 30mph. This step, already proposed by the town council as a traffic-calming measure, would save some trees and hedges.

A more serious concern, they said, was the lack of official plans for a safe foul drainage system for the medical centre, on the edge of the flood plain.

The original plan proposed a private sewage treatment plant, with reed beds discharging into watercourses on the Sports Field and then to the river.

Approval of a suitable plan for foul drainage is among the 25 conditions of planning permission that must be met before building work can begin.