A CALL by Sir Michael Spicer for a referendum on the controversial development at Upton Marina has received a lukewarm response from planners and developers.

The West Worcestershire MP has written to Malvern Hills District Council's planning department to suggest holding a poll on the planned £3 million project before any decision is made on the proposal.

A constituent had expressed a desire for the poll to Sir Michael.

"It's quite difficult to measure the full extent of views on this without doing it systematically and comprehensively," said the MP.

"Clearly there is a section of the town which is against it, but it's difficult to know what the traders think about it, for instance. I'm going to get in touch with MHDC and say it was raised by a constituent, but that I support the idea."

However, Mike Cook, managing director of marina owners Walton Marine, said that although he would go along with a referendum if everyone else wanted it, he had worries about it negating the planning process.

"It concerns me that, in having a referendum, we would be taking away the decision process from the councillors," he said.

"We would be trying to force their hands."

Mr Cook said he would prefer to re-open an exhibition staged at the launch of the planning application for individuals or groups who wanted to know more about it, and offered to do so for anyone who requested it.

"People can come and look at the scheme, and be specific about what they like and dislike," he said. Comments would be sent to planners.

David Murray, MHDC's head of development control, said that he did not think the authority would fund a referendum, adding that he could not remember one ever having taken place in similar circumstances.

He also said that although there was nothing to stop Upton town council or anyone else from organising one, planners would take into account a wide range of issues in considering whether to grant permission, even if the "show of hands" was clearly in favour of one outcome.

n Walton Marine is giving a talk to Upton's Tourism and Trade Assoc-iation at 7.30pm on Monday, July 15, at the Swan Hotel.

Talks are to be given on the proposed development of Upton Marina and on the new St Richard's Hospice charity shop on Old Street.

The director of St Richard's Hospice, Barney Price, will join Walton Marine chief Mike Cook in a presentation and question-and-answer session.

The event is being organised by the Upton upon Severn Tourism and Trade Association and is open to all.

The talks will start in the Castaways at the Swan Hotel on Waterside at 7.30pm.