A MASSIVE shake-up of health, police and local government services in Droitwich Spa could be decided within three months.

The Advertiser can exclusively reveal ambitious proposals for the town's disused magistrate's court, which includes hopes for a new health centre, are being hammered out by a new steering group.

The announcement was made at Monday night's Droitwich Spa Town Council meeting, by Councillor Don Lawley (Con - South), who read out a Wychavon District Council report.

"Wychavon has responded to the town council's desire for an improved health facility," he told the full council.

The steering group is chaired by Dr Kelly of Spa Medical Practice and includes representatives from Wychavon, Worcestershire County Council, West Mercia police and the Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Feasibility

And a firm called Matrix Medical has been appointed by the PCT to carry out a feasibility study for development of the Ombersley Street East site, featuring the court, police station and doctors' surgery.

Proposals include;

lRe-development of the health centre, partly on the existing site, partly on the police station site.

lCreation of a car park adjacent to the health centre - suitable for future development.

lCreation of a front desk for all services - including a council One Stop Shop.

The Wychavon report cited the county council as the lead player because it owns the courts and said a full business plan is needed before the final decision, which is expected in three months, is made.

Cllr Don Lawley said it was excellent news for Droitwich, for which the town council has a lot thank.

Labour Cllr Frank Payne (West) welcomed the news but was concerned about the One Stop Shop, currently in High Street, being re-located.

"It brings a lots of people to that end of town.

"It's an excellent building and if the services are re-located, something else that draws people to the High Street is needed."

SARAH CHAMBERS