MAJOR improvements for health care in Droitwich could be in place "before the summer", according to a councillor backing the scheme.

Coun Pam Davey said negotiations between the Primary Care Trust and Worcestershire County Council were at a delicate stage but going well.

The discussions are largely over incorporating the old magistrates court building, in Ombersley Way, into plans for a new health centre.

If agreed, the extra space would double the size of the present health centre.

"I anticipate that we shall very, very soon have good news," said Coun Davey, a Conservative county and district councillor.

"If it goes ahead I understand it would be within weeks and we would then be talking about things in place before the summer.

"It is more than just new health premises.

"There is the possibility of new types of treatment, which means it would relieve the pressure on Worcestershire Royal Hospital."

As well as offering "major improvements" to health facilities, the expansion would offer the chance to develop further community services on site and improve the layout.

"We are hoping to have a front desk police presence at the community centre, like in Evesham, to make it easier to report incidents," continued Coun Davey.

"At the moment it is a very disjointed site which has the health centre, police station and magistrates court. This would put it all together in a comprehensive development."

The 'L' shaped two-storey development would be able to accommodate 22 doctors, instead of 12 at present.

There will also be an increase in midwives, nurses and other medical staff.