Health executives fielded dozens of questions from Malvern people at this week's public meetings to discuss plans for a new Malvern hospital.

The threat of snowfalls did not deter hundreds from turning up at the Forum on Monday and Tuesday to make their feelings known.

The consultation process itself was one bone of contention, when trust chairman David Barlow said negative comments about it and calls to "get on with it" could be viewed by the strategic health authority as a lack of community support.

But Richard Weatherill warned him not to confuse impatience with the consultation process with antagonism against the hospital itself.

"It's actually evidence that people in Malvern are desperate for a hospital," he said.

Enthusiasm for a minor injuries unit (MIU) was evident. Dr David Payler said a similar units at Stroud and Tewkesbury got between 40 and 50 visits a day.

"I can't see how we will be able to cope without one. The other towns all round Worcester all have MIUs," he said.

Pam Bevan said: "The real reason we need MIUs is because from my home it's a 22-mile round trip to get to the A&E in Worcester."

Ray Bishop said: "I also believe the MIU is essential for the area, bearing in mind the leisure activities that take place here."

Chief executive Mike Ridley's assertion that part of Seaford Court would probably be sold off was controversial. Several speakers, including Malvern town councillor Ian Cooke, said the site should be kept intact to allow room for expansion in the future.

One speaker warned that adequate car parking had to be provided, or people might start to park illegally on Malvern Link Common.

There will be another chance to find out about the project and ask questions at Hanley Castle High School on Monday (February 28), at 7pm.