PEOPLE in Worcester have given an enthusiastic welcome to news of a multi-million pound riverside development scheme.

On Saturday, the Evening News revealed ambitious plans that would see a new bridge spanning the Severn from Gheluvelt Park, the transformation of the Croft Road lorry park into a waterside garden, creation of a wetland wildlife area north of Pitchcroft and improvements in Cripplegate Park, including building an amphitheatre for summer events.

This weekend, people enjoying the Dragon Boat races in the sweltering heat of Saturday afternoon gave a thumbs-up to the plans. Most believed that they would transform Worcester into a modern city while retaining its historical pedigree.

However, there were concerns about the increase in visitors causing greater traffic congestion and the possibility that floods could damage the new improvements.

Sales assistant, Rob Hanhart, said the developments would offer something for every one.

"Creating this would be great for tourism and for the people of the city.

"It will be good for the kids because they will have somewhere to play," said the 23-year-old from Martley Road, in St John's.

Howard Beard, a glazier from Warndon, said he could definitely see the benefits.

"We have got a facility like the river that is under-used.

"We should be making it a more attractive place for people to come and walk around.

"As long as the development fits in with what we have already got there is no reason not to build," said the 64-year-old from Tetbury Drive in Warndon.

Josie Anderson, from the Arboretum, said although she supported the plans she did have some concerns.

"We have a guest house and we had to turn people away when the cricket was being played at the weekend.

"And how will the developments be affected by the floods?" asked the 50-year-old.

Kevin Townsend, aged 39, from Norfolk Close in Dines Green, said improving facilities and building a skateboard ramp in Cripplegate would be good news for youngsters.

"There has to be more done for the children because there's not a lot around here for them."

Patrick Beasley, from Henwick Road, St John's, said he had hoped that there would be more development for the west of the city.

"I think they should do more development to the other side of the river because there is not much here," said the 40-year-old engineer.

The city council is applying to the National Lottery to fund 66 per cent of the cost of the riverside redevelopment.

The plans, which have taken four years to develop, will be revealed to city councillors on Friday and on display to the public from next Monday.