ARTISTS from Kidder-minster are alarmed at £3million plans to refurbish the town hall into an arts centre - fearing its precious acoustics will be ruined and district groups pushed out.

But portfolio holder for the district council leisure department Ken Stokes insisted this would not happen, stressing the plans were subject to change.

Vice-chairman of Wyre Forest Arts Forum Judith Price said while the umbrella group of about 30 societies believed the refurbishment was long over due, it had "major" concerns.

She said they feared the alterations - which include creating automatic moveable tiered seating in the music room and converting the Corn Exchange into a bistro - could damage acoustics, which are among the best in Britain.

A projection room and cinema screen are also in the plans.

Mrs Price said they feared Wyre Forest organisations would lose out to national companies and be hit by higher prices and there would be a lack of facilities for interval refreshments.

"There's a worry everything will be booked out to national tours and events and local people will get squeezed out financially - particularly if there isn't as much seating - and the societies are worried because with some concerts we have a job to pack them in as it is."

Drama group Nonentities' chairman Colin Young said he feared the new arts centre would damage The Rose Theatre by targeting the same dramatic groups and audiences.

He added his group supported the plans and had been involved in discussions since the proposals became public - but insisted close collaboration in the future was vital.

Treasurer of the annual Music for You concerts Tony Sabey added seating cuts would be "disastrous" and lead to a hike in ticket prices.

However, Mr Stokes - who is due to present a report to the district executive today asking to push the plans to design level - said the proposals which meet necessary Disability Discrimination Act criteria were a "golden opportunity".

He promised the hall's acoustics would be maintained using modern technology and said he wanted the Grade II listed building to appeal to all.

He added £1 million would be spent on creating disabled access, re-wiring the building and restoring the treasured Hill Organ to its original condition after subsidence.

The organ - one of only six of its type in the country - will remain in the music hall behind a moveable screen.

His enthusiasm was echoed by the Charter Trustees who endorsed the plans on Tuesday.

Mr Stokes went on: "The number of seats will only be very slightly reduced - at the moment you can get 100 people in the balcony and 300-400 downstairs and there will be about 420."

He added 10 Wyre Forest groups had been consulted and everyone agreed with the plans in principle.