Upton residents have demonstrated widespread support for plans to build a new medical centre in the town.

At a public meeting, health professionals and the architect presented designs for the centre, which would provide a 'one-stop shop' for doctors, dentist, optician, social services and other primary care services.

A full planning application was submitted to Malvern Hills District Council last month.

There was an overwhelming show of hands for the scheme, at the bottom of Tunnel Hill, from around 100 people who visited Upton Memorial Hall on Tuesday (May 13), to see the presentation and ask questions. Only three raised their hands in protest, mainly due to differing opinions over the site.

Professor Peter Pumfrey, of Upton Civic Society, said he welcomed the development, but believed the site should be located further out of town because of the possible effects on a listed building up the hill.

However, Dr George Wilson, one of the partners behind the proposals, said an alternative site would be too far out of town for people to walk to. The proposed site is just half a kilometre from the present School Lane surgery.

Car parking is a major problem at the current site, but architect Peter Icke said the new site would have about 150 spaces, as well as provision for disabled drivers and cyclists.

Traffic was also discussed, with Mr Icke saying there were plans to widen the A4104 outside the proposed entrance, adding a turning lane to reduce the danger to drivers turning into the surgery.

The mood of the public was summed up by an audience member, who said the development would be a legacy for the younger generation in Upton.

"I think it's one of the best things that's happened in a good many years," she said, to applause from the audience.

Dr Wilson urged those present to write to MHDC planners in support of the application.

"I think it went very well," he said after the meeting.

"I don't think anybody objected to the principle of what we're trying to do. I felt very encouraged."