THE chief executive of South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust is to be quizzed by local councillors about plans for a new Malvern hospital.

Mike Ridley is to appear at Malvern Hills District Council's overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday.

At a meeting of the trust earlier this month, Coun Tom Wells challenged Mr Ridley and trust chairman David Barlow to come to Malvern and explain the trust's plans to local people.

Plans for a new hospital at Seaford Court, off Worcester Road, to replace the existing one at Lansdowne Crescent, have been on the cards for more than 20 years.

But at a meeting of the Trust last month Mr Ridley announced that is was "unlikely" any public money could be found to build a new hospital in the near future.

At Tuesday's meeting, which starts at 2pm, Mr Ridley is expected to face questions from councillors about the Trust's intentions. Following the meeting, members of the public will also have a chance to ask questions.

Coun Wells said: "It's not really what I wanted, but it's a start. I would have preferred a meeting in the evening when people with jobs can come along. A lot of questions need answering."