PLANS for a £460,000 multi-agency advice and help clinic at a Kidderminster school have been scrapped after a public outcry.

Greenhill residents opposed to the centre in the grounds of St George's School were this week celebrating news there will be no Early Excellence Centre there. A nursery will be provided instead within the school.

A decision to abandon proposals for the clinic followed consultation with St George's staff, governors and parents at the school on Tuesday.

The meeting was also attended by representatives of the Greenhill community including volunteers who already provide community services in the area.

The Worcestershire County Council project had been dogged by controversy since Kidderminster was chosen for the county's first Early Excellence Centre.

The idea was to bring all the community's advice and support services under one roof.

Residents and parents met a week ago to voice fears the centre would draw in people with serious family, drug or other social problems.

Voluntary sector leaders such as the Salvation Army were also worried their work might be undermined.

A county council spokesman said: "After wide-ranging consultation it has been decided it would be more appropriate to provide a 26-place nursery in existing buildings in the school."

The facility will offer morning places for three to four-year-olds with other school-based activities in the afternoon and possibly after-school clubs if needed.

County councillor for Kidderminster-Hurcott Linda Townley said: "I am very pleased the county council has listened to the views of the community and have put forward fresh proposals for only a nursery as a result of the consultation carried out."

She said a recommendation would go to the council to abandon the Early Excellence Centre scheme.

Neighbourhood representative Mike James said: " We are really pleased to see the end of this ridiculous plan which generated so much worry in the community. We welcome the nursery school but hope proper car parking will be provided."