PLANS have been unveiled for a city farm in the middle of Worcester.

The Worcester Volunteer Centre (WVC) is looking into the possibility of a community-led farm which could be used by school groups and the disadvantaged as well as the public.

It has found a possible site at Warndon Villages but wants the public to come forward with other ideas for a suitable location that is easily accessed from the city centre and on a bus route.

WVC says the attraction wouldn’t be a ‘petting zoo’ but could boast pigs, rabbits, ducks and goats as well as rare breeds.

The idea was put to Warndon Parish Council this week with councillors largely supporting the idea but raising concerns over access at the proposed site, off Dugdale Drive, Warndon Villages.

“It’s just in the planning stage at the moment,” said Penny Tate, from the WVC.

“We’ve been planning a city farm in Worcester for some time now. It will be a community-led non-profit project.”

She said it will feature small animals and give people the chance to keep chickens, but wouldn’t be similar to a petting zoo.

“There will be a therapeutic element and we hope to work with the socially disadvantaged,” she added.

“We also want to get schools and community groups involved. We want it to become a community hub.”

The Dugdale Drive land that has been earmarked, which is five acres of grassland, is owned by Worcester City Council. WVC says it was previously looking at a site in the Worcester Woods Countryside Park but this has been ruled out because of cost.

The idea was welcomed by Warndon Parish Council, although some members had concerns over the Dugdale Road site.

“I think the concept is great,” said Councillor Marc Bayliss.

“But my worry is over parking. There is literally no parking there.”