CONCERNED residents have joined forces to have their say on the future of Droitwich Spa.

Action for Droitwich is a campaign group with around 20 supporters and the first meeting is set for tonight.

Its first crusade is to get a large supermarket and petrol station built on a brownfield site off Kidderminster Road, near DFS.

For months, members have toured homes and factories with a petition. It now boasts 2,000 signatures.

A planning application for a supermarket was previously turned down by Wychavon District Council because of the out-of-town location.

The Local Plan currently designates the land for housing but the campaigners want this changed.

A planning application for 105 houses is currently being considered by the council.

Action for Droitwich member William Moy, of Ley Croft, wants residents to oppose the housing plans.

He is against proposals to build a store on the Saltway car park. He believes the site could not accommodate a large enough store and the loss of parking would cause serious problems.

Mr Moy told the Advertiser: "We need a store to compete with neighbouring towns and attract shoppers from other areas.

"This is our first campaign but we plan to tackle other issues in the future."

Cllr Pam Davey (Con, Droit.Central) plans to attend the meeting.

Cllr Roy Seabourne (Lab, Droit.West) said: "I would rather see a mixed development at the Kidderminster Road site with housing and a smaller supermarket."

Wychavon's chief planning officer, Jack Hegarty, said: "There is no planning case for the site to be used for retail purposes."

The Action for Droitwich meeting begins at 7.30pm at St Andrew's House Hotel, off Worcester Road.

Members plan to elect a committee. For details call Mr Moy on (01905) 621202.