A WATER feature in Malvern Link has been described as the final "jewel in the crown" of the town's restoration.

Councillor Pat Raven, chairman of Malvern Hills District Council, made the comments at the opening of the Hampden Road water feature last Saturday.

She said residents had been waiting years for the Malvern Link facelift.

"In Malvern we've had the town centre regenerated, the theatre rebuilt, Grange Road car park extended and the toilets refurbished," she said.

"The 'Malvern millions' have also helped to rescue Malvern Hills College, funded extensions at the rugby club, cricket clubs, and Manor Park, astro- turf at the Chase, and the new sports hall by the Splash.

"In the Link we have the new play areas at Lower Howsell Road and Victoria Park and the Victoria Park pavilion which is now nearly finished."

Coun Raven paid tribute to the water feature designed by Rachel Fenner, which was based on the historic Link stone, now kept at St Matthias churchyard.

"Malvern Link now has a civic feature to be proud of, and which can hold its own with public sculptures anywhere in the country," she added.