An action group opposed to the withdrawal of parking spaces in Malvern has reacted angrily to the finalisation of plans for the former council treasurer's site on Albert Road North.

The Save Malvern Car Parks Action Group was formed in August when the plans first came to light.

It was spurred into further action this week when the application was officially lodged with Malvern Hills District Council.

The group is worried that abolition of existing car parking facilities to make way for flats on part of the site will make roads dangerously congested with parked vehicles. The development entails the abolition of around 60 parking spaces currently used by district council workers, which are also available for public use outside office hours.

"There is not enough free long-stay parking in Malvern as it is," said group spokesman Richard Sprackling.

"Anyone sensible is going to take the option of parking all day on nearby residential roads.

"There are a lot of accidents in the area because of this, many of which go unreported because there are no serious injuries.

"If the 60 spaces for council workers go then the problem will only get worse. Also, residents of the proposed flats would increase the congestion."

A petition has now been sent to the County Council, the police and Malvern Hills District Council detailing the group's concerns.

It wants to see the development stopped and the space used for a public long-stay car park, to ease congestion on and around Victoria Road. The objections to the application should be submitted to MHDC's planning office is Monday, October 8.