A bigger car park is unlikely ever to be built on Cripplegate Park, councillors say.

Withdrawal of a controversial scheme to build 76

parking spaces on the park has been confirmed by the city council.

Tourism chief Francis Lankester said it was unlikely that a future application would be considered as the authority was keen to develop the riverside.

He said if the latest application had been granted, it would have put the £25m Worcester waterfront regeneration bid in serious jeopardy.

Under the plans, the car park, next to Bamboo nightclub, off Tybridge Street, St John's, would have been extended, so more than four per cent of Cripplegate would have been under concrete.

Almost 2,000 people signed a petition by residents group Friends of Cripplegate Park to protest at the idea.

A crucial aim of the proposed Riverside regeneration is that it should take car parking away from the area rather than increase it.

The £25m regeneration bid has more chance of being successful if it promotes public transport.

The lottery funding could see three new bridges, a new civic space and even a landmark 'lighthouse' building - and hopes remain high that the application could succeed.

Cabinet member for tourism and regeneration Coun Lankester said: "There is real need for parking near to all places of leisure, but on reflection, it must be said we can do without this scheme.

"Many people felt it wasn't in their interests. In essence, what we have decided to do is formally withdraw the application at Cripplegate.

"I think it's also worth saying we don't intend to bring it back in the future. The Living Landmarks lottery bid is a £25m project and I am positive we have a good bid. If we don't get the bid, we still need to improve the riverside."

City council Leader Coun Stephen Inman said: "It is very important that this Living Landmarks lottery bid is going on, and in reality we don't want to jeopardise that."

Friends of Cripplegate chairwoman Linda Sammonds said: "I'm really pleased to hear the news, but what was most pleasing is the fact the city council said it doesn't plan to go back to the idea.

"Our big fear was if the £25m lottery bid fails, the council would go back to trying to build over the park.

"It's better news than we hoped for."