RESIDENTS of Droitwich could have a new, state-of-the-art health centre by next year.

Proposals for the multi-million pound town centre development have been given the final seal of approval by planning officials, as announced at the latest Wych-avon District Council executive board meeting.

Wychavon's chairman and Droitwich Spa East member, Councillor Pam Davey said she was delighted with the news and that she and fellow ward councillor, Mike Barratt had been involved in the consultation process. "This facility is absolutely critical for the town," she said.

"We have had a vast increase in population in Droitwich and the current health centre has been bursting at the seams."

If things go according to plan, the proposed building, on the former magistrates court site in Ombersley Road East could be complete by September 2007.

Coun Davey said that patients would not suffer, because the existing centre would remain open until the new one is complete.

Developer McAlpine has applied to the Highways Authority for a stopping order on a roadway that runs through the site.

After this application is processed the purchase of the site from Worcestershire County Council can go ahead.

If things continue as planned, it is hoped that work on the development expected to cost more than £6m, could start as early as May with the demolition of the former court.

The three-storey centre will house 22 doctors, more than double the number at the current centre, also in Ombersley Street East.