PLANS for a second Kidderminster cinema as part of a new leisure complex could be moving closer to reality.

Stephen Clee, leader of Wyre Forest District Council has revealed that three companies have expressed an interest in building a cinema on the KTC3 development site between Worcester Street and Oxford Street.

Mr Clee said: "We are very positive that we are going to get one of these three to turn it into a reality."

The council has designated the land for leisure use and hopes the complex - which includes the town's former magistrates courts - will incorporate an indoor bowling alley and restaurants.

Mr Clee said there were also plans for 35 homes on the site, adding: "We are looking at putting housing onto the site so we can encourage accommodation back into the heart of Kidderminster."

Conservative MP Caroline Spelman, the shadow minister for local government, who visited Kidderminster on Thursday, praised the redevelopment plans for the important "gateway" to the town centre.

The MP for Meriden, who was in Kidderminster to support John Aston, the Tory candidate for the district council by-election for Aggborough and Spennells, said she was impressed with the plans.

She added: "Part of my brief is regeneration and this is a prime example of regeneration in a town centre bringing the people back into the town centre. I found it very encouraging."

Mrs Spelman said more people living in the town centre would help people to feel safer and reduce crime.

During her visit to the town, she also called in at Kidderminster Town Hall to see work being carried out to create a council hub.

Mr Clee said: "We are delighted that she has been able to come down and inspect the hall plans. What we are trying to do is bring all the different council services under one roof. We hope to have it open by next year."

Mrs Spelman said: "It is very exciting. It is a very pleasing building and it is in a prime spot. I wish more local authorities were in a position to do it."