people will have their say on plans for the future of Worcester, including pedestrianising the Cathedral roundabout, if a consultation exercise is extended to include their views on overhauling the city centre.

The city council has announced a series of open days - at least one in each ward - to listen to people's ideas about housing, open space, sports and recreation in Worcester.

The council's planning committee is this week expected to give the green light to including the city centre in the consultation.

Questions about the city centre to be put to the public would include:

l What is the best way to link the university's second campus and library to the city centre?

l Could a footbridge over City Walls Road extend the central shopping area to Lowesmoor?

l Should the Cornmarket and Cathedral roundabout become pedestrian squares?

l How should the Diglis and Royal Worcester Porcelain developments be linked to the city centre?

l What role should the riverside have in relation to the city centre?

l What is the correct balance between pedestrians and cars in the centre?

Councillor Martin Clarke, who is charge of economic development at the city council, said: "I hope that people will take the opportunity to visit a roadshow, ask questions and be involved at this early stage so they can have an influence as policies are being developed.

"Planning really does matter. Developments don't just happen by accident, or in isolation, and I hope the public realise that decisions like these are too important to be left up to politicians."

If agreed by the planning committee on Thursday, there would be an exhibition in the Guildhall and a feature in the Worcester News and Berrows Journal.

Details would also be published on Worcester City Council's website and questionnaires would be available on-line and as paper copies.

City planning officer Jim Pithouse has recommended approval of the plan to ask people their opinions.

The move is part of the consultation on the Local Development Framework, a complex planning document that will help guide the future shape of Worcester.

Open days on the other issues - housing, open space and sports - will start at the Tolladine Community Centre on Tuesday and end at the Green Centre on Tuesday, November 29, with more than a dozen other open days in between those dates.

'they'll do what they like whatever we say'

Planning chiefs are reassuring Worcester people that their views will be taken consideration when drawing up future developments for the city as sceptics say the council has not listened to people in the past and will do what it likes, whether people want it or not.

Doris Hunt, aged 80, from Dines Green, said: "The council is going to do what it is going to do no matter what, so all this asking for views is pointless.

"People have become apathetic because the council does not listen to us. I think they are trying to hoodwink us. We want to have our say but people I meet don't think the council will listen."

Mrs Hunt, who has lived in Worcester all her life and says she has a vast amount of local knowledge, added that some residents would not be able to attend the local meetings and she wants a way people can get involved from home.

David Hobbs, Worcester City Council's senior planning officer, said the council was really passionate about getting public involvement.

"The council really does want people to get involved and express their views. It will be too late in two or three years' time. Now is the time to do it. Their views will be taken into account in future planning."

Anyone who cannot attend the roadshows or meetings can fill in a questionnaire due to appear in the Worcester News, write to the council's Planning and Economic Development, Orchard House, Farrier Street, Worcester WR1 3BB or ring them on 01905 722490.