ARCHITECTS from around the world will be asked to design a public "square" - possibly including a public attraction like a fountain - outside Worcester Cathedral.

The proposal, which would see the roundabout replaced by a single two-lane road, comes after the original plans were shelved in June because of a cash shortfall.

The previous scheme formed part of safety improvements to Deansway but councillors hope an international design contest will help relaunch the bid.

"Looking back, if we'd gone ahead with the original scheme using monies linked to the Deansway safety scheme we'd have made pretty good improvements to Cathedral Square," said the council leader, Coun Stephen Inman.

"But there is the prospect, with the input of the Dean, the Cathedral and groups like English Heritage, we could get something of national class here in Worcester but it is not going to come immediately."

The Dean of Worcester, The Very Rev Peter Marshall, backed any project with limited traffic that encouraged people to gather and spend time together.

"As long as it is making space available for people we would be supportive," said Mr Marshall, who sat on a steering group overseeing the original plans.

Stuart McNidder, the head of development control at the city council, said he hoped the £30,000 design brief could be drawn up by the end of the year and the competition started early next year.

He said it would be up to entrants to decide what to include in the scheme but expected features like a fountain, market or speaker's corner to be considered.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said a "liveability" grant could not be used to fund the contest.

That money has now gone towards a facelift at King George V playing fields, in Brickfields.

What do you want to see placed at a "Cathedral Square"? Tell us your views: write to You Say, Evening News, Hylton Road, Worcester WR2 5JX or e-mail us on letters@thisisworcester.co.uk