PARENTS of tots who attend a day nursery want it to expand and introduce an after-school club - but neighbours have objected to more "shrieking" children.

Plans to increase numbers at the Little Treasures Nursery in Broomhall, near Worcester, could be blocked because of the potential effect on the house next door.

The nursery caters for 42 children, many from Norton and St Peter's but directors Caroline Phillips and Suzanne Denning want to raise the limit to 60.

They also want to lift the age restriction and provide after-school care for some of the children's older siblings, who would be collected from local schools by the nursery.

"We have the space and there is a real need for nursery care in this area, especially as a nursery at Stoulton is closing, due to retirement," said Ms Phillips.

Ms Denning said at least six parents would like the nursery to provide after-school care and another 10 might use it when their children moved to primary school.

"If they have been here from the age of two it would be less unsettling for them," she said.

"It means more pollution and aggravation if parents have to pick up different children from different places."

Kempsey Parish Council has objected to the lifting of restrictions on age and numbers, which were imposed to safeguard the peace and quiet of neighbours.

Parents who rely heavily on the nursery are "dismayed that the council should take such a poor view of a facility of utmost importance to full-time working mums".

But neighbours say they can hear the "piercing shrieks" of children when they come out at various times of day and 14 more would make it unbearable.

Malvern Hills planning officers are recommending that the application is turned down at a meeting tonight.