PLANS for a holiday village at Upton Marina are being scaled down following the first round of public consultation.

There has been a positive and constructive response from private, public and community sectors since Walton Marine's £3 million expansion plan was unveiled last October.

"The scheme has generally been welcomed as a much-needed boost to the economy of the town and the local area," said marina manager Steve Arber.

"The few comments that have been critical have helped us re-appraise the scheme and achieve a mutually satisfactory development."

The plans have evolved in consultation with Malvern Hills District Council, which has taken a lead in developing an economic strategy for the area.

"Working in partnership locally we can help to establish a thriving and diverse economy which benefits all sectors of the community," said Mr Arber.

The scheme is now being redrawn, taking into account comments received from everyone consulted, with some reduction in scale and repositioning of buildings.

Community activity buildings will be placed nearer to public areas and launching facilities, for example.

A detailed laser survey of the area has already been carried out.

This will involve a thorough investigation of everything that might be affected by the development, including flora and fauna, flood defences, local services and traffic.

"Once we have the revised plans in presentable form we will have a second round of consultations with local groups, councils and statutory bodies," said Mr Arber.

"Our approach has been to be as open as possible in developing this scheme and we fully intend to continue in this by holding an open public exhibition of our revised plans."