A NEW community medical centre proposed for Upton-upon-Severn has been hailed as a wonderful legacy for the future.

Around 90 people in the town's Memorial Hall applauded when former district councillor Betty Williams told them it was one of the best things to happen in years.

"It will be the youngsters of Upton who will benefit from this. It's a legacy for the future," she said.

The overwhelming mood of the meeting was in favour of the detailed plan for an integrated primary health care centre, put forward by the Upton GP practice.

Objections

Only three people objected, including Peter Pumfrey, of Upton Civic Society, who said the society was in favour of the scheme in principle, but not on the chosen green field site at the bottom of Tunnel Hill.

Dr George Wilson, senior partner in the GP practice, said he did not know of any willing vendors of land in the suggested alternative area at the top of Tunnel Hill, but this would be too far out of town.

"I really believe we need to be part of the community and you stop being that if you put it 1.5km out of town," he said, to cries of "Hear, hear," from the audience.

The lower part of the preferred site is subject to flooding and the Environment Agency has lodged a holding objection to the plan, subject to further information being provided.

Flood level

Architect Peter Icke said the floor level would be 1m above the highest recorded flood level.

The 10,000 sq metre landscaped site would include room for future expansion. There would be 115 car parking spaces, with new vehicle access from Tunnel Hill and a new pedestrian crossing at the Minge Lane junction.

Users of the centre, including doctors, dentist, optician, Primary Care Trust and social services, will fund the building work through a loan, to be repaid with the income from rent, which will be assessed by the District Valuer.

Gillian Goodlad, of the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, explained that funding would come from a national source and not from the same pot used to fund, for example, Malvern Community Hospital or services such as knee replacements.

Those present were urged to register their support for the plan by writing to Malvern Hills Planning Department, at Brunel House, Portland Road, Malvern.