MALVERN Civic Society has hit out at plans for a new £6.5 million district council headquarters in the town.

Society chairman John Handley said that after the news broke last week, he canvassed members' opinions.

"The general feeling is one of suspicion that this is yet another move by MHDC to spend other people's money in the quest for status and prestige for themselves.

"Are new council offices the greatest priority at a time when, for instance, the plans for rebuilding the community hospital, that Malvern so badly needs, remain undecided?

"In any case, can anyone recall a public project that hasn't soared way above the estimated figure?"

The preferred option in the council's property strategy is for a new building beside Brunel House.

The cost would largely be offset by the sale of five historic buildings - Highlea, Rockcliffe, Milbourne Lodge, Whitbourne Lodge and Portland House - raising £2.5 million, and of further council properties, raising £3.845 million.

The identity of these assets, which the council's report calls "up-front disposals", has not yet been disclosed.

Kevin Douglas, of MHDC, said this week that this was because negotiations were still under way with tenants. But he said neither the Splash nor Malvern Theatres were among the properties under discussion.

David Wood, director of resources, said a budget recommendation for further work on the proposal will be up before the executive committee in February.

See Your Letters, page 6