DRIVERS in Worcester could face disruption as asbestos is removed from the city's former cattle market.

Temporary planning permission has already been given for the land alongside The Butts to be converted to extra car parking spaces.

Councillors will vote on Tuesday whether to demolish the derelict buildings.

The council owns the premises, leased to auctioneers McCartney's before the firm moved two years ago to a site between the eastern orbital road and the motorway.

The existing cattle market car park has 119 spaces. Andy Walford, the council's principal engineer, said the proposals would expand the total number to 323.

"The land is in the flood plain 'red zone' and putting buildings on it is therefore discouraged," he said.

Disruption

"We might as well put it to some use. The empty sheds have asbestos in them and we will need to remove it.

"That won't be straightforward, especially as the buildings overhang the road. It will cause some disruption, but it has to be done. It might take place on a Sunday to minimise the impact on traffic."

The council hopes to obtain "Secure Parking" status for the enlarged parking area, with a CCTV system in place.

It says the 323 spaces at the Cattle Market would replace the 238 spaces at Croft Road car park, which is destined to be converted into a riverside garden.

The existing coach park there will be transferred to Newport Street if the council follows its new draft Local Plan.