PLANS to replace Evesham Community Hospital with state-of-the-art facilities have been welcomed by members of the town council.

South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust is investigating the possibility of building the new hospital on land near Abbey Road.

The plans announced last Thursday received the full backing of the town council at a meeting on Monday.

Deputy mayor Councillor Frances Smith said: "I would like to propose we write to the chief executive of the PCT that we welcome, in principal, the proposal to investigate the possibility of providing a new hospital on the Abbey Road site. We look forward to being kept fully informed and consulted on the process."

Cllr Ron Cartwright said: "I am all for a new hospital because the current one was built many years ago. If they are going to give us a new hospital I agree with it. I only hope if they build this new hospital, they take into consideration Evesham's growing population. We certainly need a bigger hospital and better facilities than we have now."

Cllr John Smith said: "It is quite clear there needs to be a lot of investigations done on the site. It is a big site and we have just got to go along with it. And, I hope, the PCT keeps the town council informed."

Members also voted in favour of supporting a planning application for the construction of a new health centre at Merstow Green.

The application comes amid speculation that the permanent site for the facility could be moved to Abbey Road, to be built alongside the proposed hospital.

Supporting the application, Cllr Paul Rencher said: "I think the town needs extra health facilities and I am in favour of it. We need as much information at our fingertips as we can get. It is the most important application for the future of the town, certainly since I have been on the council."

Cllr John Smith said: "I don't think there is any hidden agenda. Everyone knows there is the possibility of something else but it is very early stages. I guess Medcentres (the applicant) wants to progress in the normal way before something else comes up."