ARCHITECTS have been told to take care over the design of three apartment blocks on Worcester's canalside.

Councillors approved a draft plan for 45 homes at a former Underwood's depot at the junction of Lowesmoor Terrace and Padmore Street.

But one warned the area could become a target for criminals if the layout of the three blocks of flats was not right.

"It could be a living nightmare if we get it wrong," said Coun Mike Layland, who also pointed out the area could be used as a through route.

"We could have something that will be very successful and a credit to us. If not, it could be a criminals' paradise," he added.

Councillors said they wanted a better design for the scheme after seeing an illustration of how the three-storey development could look.

"I'm certainly not happy that this is the best design. We've already shown we can get better than that further along the canal," said Coun Paul Denham.