A NEW purpose-built community medical centre, thought to be the first of its kind in the country, is to be provided in Upton-upon-Severn.

The £2m project, underpinned by Government funding, will combine all the town's primary health care services under one roof.

It will accommodate about 80 staff, including family doctors, opticians, dentists, chiropodists, physiotherapists, health visitors, district nurses and social workers, with the emphasis on preventative medicine.

"It's probably going to be the first of its kind," said Val Clinton, a specialist in primary health care development.

There was applause when the plans were unveiled to a packed meeting of GPs in the town's Memorial Hall.

"You are very privileged in Upton to have some great GPs to work with," said Mrs Clinton.

Senior partner Dr George Wilson said that the town's School Lane surgery had been extended about 10 times since it was built in 1967.

He said it was felt that another extension, already approved, would be "an extension too far", bringing parking and traffic problems.

Dr David Webster said good modern practice favoured an integrated approach to health care.

"We were one of the first practices in the country to have an attached social worker, because we believed it was important" he said.

"We want to build on what we have already done and work more closely with all our health care colleagues".

Architect Roy Singleton said the only site that could be found was at the bottom of Tunnel Hill, on land between the old and new roads.

"It's not shown for development in the District Plan but we believe such a site might be acceptable because there is a community need" he said.

The access road would have to be raised to prevent flooding, but the building, which would be partly two-storey, would be above the flood plain and have access for the disabled.

"It is hoped to submit an outline planning application in the next two weeks or so" said Mr Singleton. "Work could begin next year and be completed in 2003."