PLANS for a three-storey medical centre in Droitwich have taken a healthy step forward after it was revealed the Spa's former magistrates' court and health centre is to be demolished to make way for it.

Alfred McAlpine Capital Projects has submitted the application to Wychavon District Council for the work at the Ombersley Street East site.

The new centre has been hailed as a "major breakthrough" for the town and would include GP rooms, nurse practitioners, foot specialists, midwives and physio bays.

There are also plans for a pharmacy and 71 spaces for staff on a new car park. The town police station, which is next to the site, will not be affected by the work.

Chairman of Droitwich Spa Town Council planning committee, Councillor Don Lawley (Con-Droit South East), welcomed the plans.

He said: "This is a major breakthrough for the town and is tremendous news.

"We have wanted a medical centre like this for years and it now looks closer to becoming a reality.

"This will be extremely beneficial to a lot of people - there's no two ways about that."

Coun Lawley said the planning committee would be discussing the application at its next meeting and making its comments, but the final decision will be made by Wychavon District council at a future meeting.

A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council, which is responsible for the magistrates' court, said as part of plans for the new centre, a new customer contact centre would also be added.

The spokesman added: "We are delighted that proposals are going ahead, it is a vital service for the people of Droitwich.

"There have been lengthy negotiations, but we are really pleased plans have been submitted."

The Mayor of Droitwich, Councillor Richard Morris, added he hoped the residents would benefit from the up-to-date outlet.