THERE'S great news for the Malvern Hills area this week and one which is both exciting and challenging.

The fact that DERA has begun the process of upgrading its site in Malvern is welcomed on a number of fronts.

The prospect of 1,000 new jobs is good enough but it's the notion of building on success that's the real delight.

DERA's plans measure up as the biggest development of the site since its beginnings just before the Second World War.

Since that time it has hosted a host of success stories. Now it has a chance to continue making fundamental changes to our lives - such as discovering microwave and liquid crystal technology - whilst continuing to be an integral part of our community.

As project leader David Payne says what DERA needs is planning consent, funding and continued business growth. In other words, let's turn up the heat at the Malvern hothouse for new technology companies.

For DERA's success is Malvern's success. Our children can come back from universities and pick prime jobs on their own doorsteps. Our service industries can supply a healthy DERA's demands. We urge the swift support of this application.

Let's keep making science fact not fiction.