A REVISED one-storey design of Evesham's new police station has been welcomed by members of the town council.

Original plans for a two-storey building were criticised by councillors at a meeting in June. Members feared the design of the building would obstruct ancient views of the Grade 1 Listed Abbot Reginald's Gateway and Bell Tower.

Architects went back to the drawing board in August after Wychavon District councillors rejected the plans.

At a town council meeting on Monday deputy mayor councillor Frances Smith said: "I think the design now is a vast improvement on the original one. The building is single-storey now, which will not detract from the bell tower."

But councillor Ron Cartwright expressed concern over the lack of car parking for the development: "I think we should ask for additional car parking at the back.

The police cars take up quite a lot of room so I would suggest additional car parking is made by the police."

Mayor Cllr Andrew Dyke explained: "The amount of parking they have is the maximum allowed for the area. I go in that building (the community contact centre) a lot and I have never had a problem with parking." Cllr John Smith said: "I am disappointed we cannot get any more car parking."

A final decision will be made by Wychavon District councillors.