PLANS to convert a community centre in a Worcestershire village to provide a day nursery have been put on hold because of fears over road safety.

Parents of more than 80 village children support the plans for Kempsey Community Centre, which would secure the future of the former school and adjoining headmaster's house.

Kempsey Parish Council submitted the proposals, but highways officers said it should be refused because of a likely increase in traffic and its impact on the adjoining A38.

They were also worried about poor visibility to the south.

The scheme was due to come before the Malvern Hills District Council's northern area planners on Wednesday.

However, the parish council withdrew the application beforehand to tackle highways safety issues.

Parish council chairman Joy Clee said a new scheme had now been submitted showing a new access road further to the north of the site and she hoped it would come before the next planning meeting on Wednesday, June 1.

"This is a way forward to make a sensible use of the building," she said.

"A nursery is desperately needed and there have been petitions in the village for one and it seemed a sensible use for the centre which is currently under-used."

The centre already houses a hairdressing salon and plans include converting a former toilet block into a parish office, to replace the one on the first floor of the house, which does not have access for the disabled.

The house and part of the community centre would become a day nursery for up to 30 children, with an after-school club for up to 16 children in another room.