A MALVERN housing estate said to have the worst crime rate in the district is looking forward to a "very positive future" after the opening of a new community centre.

The new centre on the Langlands estate is due to open next month.

The Langlands ward, which covers a large part of eastern Malvern, accounted for nearly one in seven crimes recorded across the whole of Malvern Hills District when a crime and disorder audit was carried out two years ago.

But Councillor Jennette Davey, who has represented the ward for 17 years, said she was optimistic.

"The future is very positive," said the councillor.

"Last year, the residents held a Planning for Real exercise, which was very constructive and the best thing to happen here in a long time.

"The people here may be poor but they are very nice people and the ward's strength is its character."

The Langland Centre Association is working to refurbish two houses in Sherrards Green Road, which have been joined to make the new community centre.

The open evening is on Friday, September 29.

Elgar Housing Association has supplied the property, which will replace a bungalow in the same road that has served as a meeting place for the past three years.

Kitchens are being fitted in the centre, which includes an office, reception and meeting rooms.

The housing association has agreed to waive half the rent and the remainder will have to be raised by the Langland Centre Association.

Beat manager PC Paul Lambon urged people in the ward to report crime, but said the statistics had to be "put into perspective".

"Langlands had its share of problems but it would be misleading to suggest the area is an undesirable place to live," he said.

"Everyone is pulling together to make the place even better."