A PUBLIC meeting to discuss plans for Malvern's long-awaited hospital was cancelled last night - because too many people turned up.

An estimated 500 residents were turned away from the consultation meeting which was being held at the Abbey Hotel to find out people's views on whether a new community hospital should be built in the town's Seaford Court or Pickersleigh Road.

Mike Ridley, chief executive of the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, said he was expecting 250 to 300 people to turn up to the event.

"When we realised there were 500 we simply couldn't go ahead due to fire and safety regulations," he said.

He said he wanted to apologise for the inconvenience caused.

"I was disappointed and upset that the meeting was cancelled but it does have its plus side in the fact that so many people are interested in the hospital," he said.

"This is such an important event and I want to get it right."

Mr Ridley added a new meeting would be rescheduled to take place before the end of the consultation process on Monday, March 7.

"I'm thinking of holding an afternoon and an evening meeting which will cater for everyone," he added.