PEOPLE are being urged to have their say on ambitious plans, which would see Worcester become a top rank cathedral city on a par with York and Oxford.

Worcester City Council wants the city to become an expanded area of excellence with shops, offices, housing and tourist attractions all linked by pedestrian-friendly routes and public spaces.

The River Severn would be the main feature and the fringes of the centre would become attractive environments in their own right that complement the centre.

But to ensure the vision becomes a reality, it is vital that residents get on board and express their views on what is already planned and what they would like to see happen in the future.

Senior planning officer Jim Pithouse said: "Together, the council, its business partners, and the public have a wonderful opportunity to establish a city centre where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

The Worcester News reported in October how ambitious blueprints and drawings will be completed by January and submitted to the Big Lottery Fund as part of a £25m bid to make the dream a reality.

A planning roadshow at the Guildhall tomorrow and Friday is part of a series of exhibitions taking place across the city as part of the council's open-door planning policy.

Council officers will be on hand to answer queries and engage in debate with the public on the issues that will ultimately affect everyone who lives in, works in or visits the city.

The Guildhall roadshow will be open from 10.30am to 8pm tomorrow and from 10.30am to 5pm on Friday.

Members of the public who are unable to attend can still express their views by visiting www.cityofworcester.gov.uk or by calling the city council on 01905 722490.