GORDON Russell's managing director says the company will be selling its prime multi-million pound site to the developer whose plans most closely match Broadway villagers' wishes.

The bids are in and the sale should be completed in about two month's time, but negotiations over the detailed plan for the five-acre site off the High Street are still going on.

Managing director Tim Somerley said: "We are going through the process of a selection of two or three bidders. The development brief is fairly specific and must be in keeping with the local area. The price for the site is important, of course, but we also feel we have an obligation to the people of Broadway because of our long association with the village. We want to see a heritage centre there which links Gordon Russell with the village, and the provision of other amenities the villagers want such as a tourist information centre and a new surgery and some employment provision."

Wain Homes is still a contender to develop the site and the company has already obtained planning permission for an access road, however, it is still awaiting the outcome.

Wain Homes' Richard Duggan said: "We are still very much interested in the site and are waiting to hear the outcome of our bid."

The acclaimed quality furniture factory closed last year with many of its employees re-locating to Worcester.

Gordon Russell founded it in the 1920s and employed local craftsmen, whose work soon became internationally renowned for quality.