ALTERATIONS to plans for part of the £60 million Kingfisher Centre revamp were set to be given the go-ahead last night following serious safety concerns for pedestrians, writes Becky Procter.

Original agreed plans for the redevelopment of Royal Square leading up to the proposed new outdoor market were to shorten Fountain Passage to give an improved pedestrian link.

But an accident studies team from Worcestershire County Council has since said pedestrians walking towards Civic Square would have had no visibility of traffic with the likelihood of serious injury being high.

Proposed ramps leading to the pedestrian crossing and surface water drainage were also highlighted as potential problems with original plans.

New proposals include keeping a larger section of Fountain Passage and the internal refurbishment and enhancement of a subway with a covered canopy to the town hall.

But in a planning committee report, Redditch Council's estates officer stated: "The original scheme represented a far more pleasant and inviting approach to the market.

"Subways, no matter how bright or pretty, are never inviting. I cannot see how the current proposal can adequately meet the requirements for an attractive, safe, inviting and quality approach to the new market site."

The application, submitted by Kingfisher Centre owners Thornfield, was due to be agreed by councillors at last night's planning committee.