UP to £100,000 could be needed to carry out repairs to the roof of Malvern's fire station.

The roof of the station, opened in 1985, leaks during heavy rain, fire brigade spokesman Alec Mackie said this week.

The station in Worcester Road was purpose-built to replace the town's former fire station, in nearby Howsell Road. It was designed by the property department of what was then Hereford & Worcester County Council, after many years of planning.

At last week's meeting of the fire authority's budget working party, it was revealed that £100,000 has been allocated for the work in the 2002/3 capital programme.

Mr Mackie said the roof had started to leak a couple of years ago and the repair work was necessary.

"This is a big roof and it has got to be repaired," said Mr Mackie.

"The £100,000 is an estimate. A survey of the roof has got to be done before we know precisely what the cost is."