THE owner of a tyre firm based in Malvern town centre says he fears for its future.

Wayne Miller, who runs Miller Tyre Services in Edith Walk with his brother Mark, is concerned that the Local Plan, newly published by the Malvern Hills District Council, would leave no room for his business.

Edith Walk is one of the areas earmarked for redevelopment in the Local Plan, which says it should include a mix of commercial, leisure and community uses.

The intention is to create a link between Waitrose and the shops in Church Street, to regenerate the shopping area.

No detailed proposals have yet been announced by the council.

Earlier this year, Miller Tyre Services put in a planning application to knock down their existing building and replace it with a more modern one.

Last month the application was rejected by a district council planning committee, which said the industrial design did not enhance the area.

But when the application was discussed at a previous meeting in September, some councillors said that allowing the firm to redevelop would interfere with the revitalisation initiative.

Priory Ward councillor Roger Hall-Jones suggested at that meeting that the council talk to Miller Tyre Services about the possibility of relocation - something the firm does not want.

Now the firm has put in a fresh planning application for its Edith Walk depot, and Mr Miller says the new design is more in keeping with the style of neighbouring Waitrose.

But Mr Miller said: "The council don't really seem to want us here and we are concerned about the future.

"From the Local Plan, it looks like we are in the way and it seems that family businesses that has been in the town for 40 years don't count for much."