THE announcement that millions of pounds will be pumped into Droitwich's healthcare facilities has been met with jubilation by councillors and residents.

Funding towards the development of Spa Medical Practice, in Ombersley Street, was granted by the Strategic Health Authority after South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust (PCT) made a bid to improve a number of surgeries in the county.

The extra funding will mean plans can be pushed forward to develop a two-storey building across the police station car park.

Plans to turn the redundant court building into a one-stop shop for health, police, county and district council may also take place if the scheme is deemed viable.

The Spa Medical Practice is one of seven schemes approved across the county. The future of Ombersley Medical Centre has also been safeguarded.

District Councillor Roy Seabourne (Lab) and Cllr Peter Pinfield (Lab) said they were delighted.

Cllr Pinfield, who has been lobbying hard for the past 18 months, said: "This is great news for the people of Droitwich.

"There has been some heavy lobbying of Government and health services to improve facilities across South Worcestershire but one of my particular concerns has been Droitwich and I am delighted the town scheme is now going ahead.

"This will mean more people will be seen, doctors will have access to state-of-the art facilities and there will be better treatment and waiting rooms."

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff was also celebrating the news of the new surgery development.

Mike Ridley, chief executive of the PCT, said: "I am absolutely delighted that much hard work has produced this tremendous result for the PCT, and more importantly, for the practices and patients that will stand to gain from the significantly improved premises."

Wychavon's head of corporate services, Alan Morgan, said: "It is hoped work will be complete by summer 2006.

"We are still looking at the cost of developing the surgery as well as the One Stop Shop but if given the go-ahead it will provide an improved public service on one site."