THE conversion of Kempsey Community Centre into a much-needed day nursery could be turned down next week on road safety grounds.

Parents of more than 80 village children support the plan, which would secure the future of the former school and adjoining headmaster's house.

The parish council owns the buildings, but has been looking for an alternative use for the community centre, which is under-used and already houses a hairdressing salon.

Plans include converting a former toilet block into a parish office, to replace the one on the first floor of the house, which does not have access for the disabled.

The house and part of the community centre would become a day nursery for up to 30 children, with an after school club for up to 16 children in another room.

Malvern Hills planning officers have no objections, but highway officers say the application should be refused, because of a likely increase in traffic and its impact on the adjoining A38.

They are worried about poor visibility to the south, restricted by trees and a notice board, but would have no objections if a new access were made at the northern end of the site.

Sharon Chapman, who would run the day nursery, was dismayed at the prospect of delay.

"There is such a need for this. I already have eight applications for places in September," she said.

The Northern Area development control committee will consider the plan at a meeting in the Little Witley Village Hall at 6pm on Wednesday, May 4.