CALLS to create a massive 'green park' in the centre of Worcester have been given a lukewarm response by a shoppers' body - despite admitting the city lacks a "focal point".

Adrian Field, from Worcester's Business Improvement District (BID), says as the city's population grows more attention needs to be paid to where people can mingle in central areas.

But he told your Worcester News the suggestion of ripping out a section of the City Walls Road to create a massive park is unrealistic.

Labour Councillor Simon Cronin has been tasked with reviewing the city centre and has raised the idea of blocking off the top section of the City Walls Road so the traffic light junction which allows drivers to turn right onto Foregate Street is closed.

He says it could help create a large plot of land to become a green "oasis" in Worcester, especially if the Trinity House site off Trinity Street was used as part of the development.

Mr Field said: "We've got Cripplegate park and St Andrew's gardens but you could argue the centre of Worcester does lack a focal point where people can go.

"That area right outside Debenhams where the benches are, for example, is very well populated and we know the city's population is going to increase.

"We need to look at the nature of the city centre, I don't see that idea coming off because it would require some big decisions to be made.

"But it will be interesting to see what ideas come out in the wash."

The city council's Conservative leadership is about to publish its response to Cllr Cronin's suggestions.

Some of the ideas include charging shops to place A-boards outside their premises, more funds to rid seagulls from the city, extra discounts on parking during the evenings and a farmers' market either outside the Guildhall or at South Quay by the riverside.

At the moment the council only spends around £5,000 a year on tackling seagulls.

It is expected to be debated by the council's scrutiny committee, which is meeting this Wednesday.