Library could be a base for police

A significant police presence will feature in a new customer service centre scheduled to open in July 2006, when work to extend the town library is completed.

John McIlveen, head of business support and customer services at Malvern Hills District Council, confirmed the building would incorporate a police station.

"The police force are an integral partner in the redevelopment of what will be a true one-stop shop for Upton," he said.

Sgt Robert Werner de Sondberg, of Malvern Hills Police, said a decision on the future of Upton's existing police station had not been made.

"We're at the discussion phase but we certainly won't see the withdrawal of a police presence in Upton," he said.

"Where there's the possibility of having a more appropriate police base it would always be welcomed."

Worcester-based firm Adrian Hutt Architects was recently appointed to produce extension plans to incorporate the customer services centre into the School Lane library.

Adrian Hutt said the timescale needed to complete the work would depend on the level of police presence being incorporated into the building.

"There is a possibility that the police station will cease to exist, so the work could take anywhere from three to six months to complete, depending on the modesty of the proposals," he said.

Mr Hutt said recent discussions favoured extending the area between the steps and the entrance at the front of the library.

District councillor Mary Wilkinson said she was thrilled the project was going ahead.

"It will do a lot of splendid things for Upton," she said.

"People in Malvern have been thrilled with their facility and our vision is to have the same in Upton."

Mr McIlveen said completion by July would be "challenging", but hoped to soon be able to apply for planning permission.

"All partners concerned need to approve plans, but the intention is to proceed as soon as possible," he said.

"Everyone involved is signed up to making this project work, so I don't envisage any problems."