PLANS for a new £7m hospital in Malvern look to be one step closer to reality.

Worcestershire Community and Mental Health Trust could be given the go-ahead to build a new hospital at Seaford Court, if a business plan currently being written up is accepted by the Government.

The town has been battling for a new site to replace the existing Malvern Community Hospital for the past 20 years.

Trust Chairman John Calvert said the creation of the business plan would be a real step forward in the long fight.

"It's 20 years since people started talking about a new hospital in Malvern and we now have the chance of a new health type centre with a variety of facilities inside it," he said.

"I think there's clear evidence something is beginning to happen and the show is on the road.

"It's great to see things beginning to move forward."

The Trust has created a project board and project team to prepare an outline business case for the plans.

Representatives

The board has representatives from the Trust, health authority, PCG, social services, Malvern Hills District Council, the Community Health Council and League of Friends.

If the project goes ahead, the new hospital will contain, among other things, primary care services, mental health stepdown beds, and some day services.

The new building will solve many problems with the existing hospital, including a lack of space and old buildings.

Late last year, the plans looked under threat as the Government announced it was going to sell Seaford Court, a redundant administration building in Malvern Link.

But the proposals caused an uproar, and the Trust put a business plan forward and managed to persuade the Government to keep the site on.

West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer, who vigorously supports the campaign, said the progress was excellent news.

"I'm delighted it's moving ahead, as it really is essential for Malvern to have an extended community hospital," he said.