AN American oil businessman wants to restore the historic Malvern Water brand to its former glory.

The famous bottling plant in Colwall, near Malvern, has been empty since it was closed by owner Coca-Cola in October. But now Robert Day, who lives nearby at Alderley House, plans to make the company an offer for the plant.

He said: “I am hopeful the company will be interested in my bid to buy the plant and continue bottling Malvern water. It’s a great heritage brand and I want to revive it to bring jobs back to area but also to keep the legacy alive.”

Mr Day’s bid has the backing of North Herefordshire MP Bill Wiggin, who has organised a meeting at the site on Friday, February 25. This will also be attended by Coca-Cola directors and Malvern Spa Association.

Mr Wiggin said: “Coca-Cola has made a commercial decision that they do not want to carry on with Malvern Water.

“But if someone else wants to come in and run it as a going concern then obviously that is very exciting. I really want this to have a happy ending, and am doing all that I can.

“But I don’t want to raise people’s hopes and expectations too high at this early stage.”

Malvern Spa Association chairman John Harcup said he was very pleased to learn of Mr Day’s interest.

“Our policy is to support anyone who is going to re-start the bottling plant,” he said. “I think Mr Day is certainly genuinely interested, and he has got the welfare of Colwall at heart, which we are very happy about.

“We are very positive and upbeat about what is going on. In all my dealings with Coca-Cola they have been very positive and upfront and I think that they genuinely want to resolve this situation.”