VILLAGERS in Welland are to get a final vote on a £100,000 package of improvements to the village green and playing fields.

The changes will only go ahead if the majority of people are in favour of the scheme.

The Doorstep Green initiative has had a mixed response from local people since the plans were first unveiled earlier this year.

At a public meeting last week, the parish council presented a revised plan to villagers. Copies will be sent to every household in Welland and Little Malvern, so people can either accept or reject the proposals.

The revised plans include a youth shelter, levelling of the playing field, a seating area on the village green, hard-surfaced play area and basketball net, tree and shrub planting, car park and new paths and fences.

"We've tried to have continual consultation with the village and the revised plans are a result of a series of public meetings," said parish councillor Roger Cousins.

"It does look as though things are being resolved and people are happier."

The parish council successfully applied for funding from the Countryside Agency, under its Doorstep Green village improvement initiative, but the initial plans were not popular with many locals who feared they would turn the village into an urban-style park.

"We don't want to railroad through changes people don't want but we don't want to lose the funding," said Mr Cousins. "If the money is lost there'll be nothing for the youth of the village, and we really need some of these things."

It is a requirement of the Doorstep Green project that final plans are sent to everyone, so that a vote can be taken.