A new twist in the long-running Runnings Park saga was revealed at Monday's meeting of West Malvern Parish Council. Following an application to convert the former hotel and health centre complex off Croft Bank into 23 residential dwellings, it had been understood that a decision had been made by the district council's head of planning, under delegated powers, to approve a modified plan for 15 dwellings.

A group of residents who object to this proposal were on the point of launching a legal challenge when it emerged that a decision had not been reached after all. The issue is to be raised as an agenda item at the council's southern area development control committee on March 16.

The parish council heard a report on progress towards the development of a Parish Plan for the village. A meeting of those who have expressed interest to take part will be called within the next month to choose a chairman and set up a steering group to take the project forward.

The parish council is to seek the services of a mole trapper to deal with an outbreak of molehills on the football pitch and childrens' playground at the playing fields. Also at the playing fields, the council agreed to add a plaque to the stone beside the Queen's Golden Jubilee tree to commemorate its official planting last year by one of West Malvern's best-loved residents, the late Jim Tudge, who died last month.

Ellie Harnden is to succeed Dan Herbert as the council's representative on the board of governors of St James's CE Primary School.