PLANNING has begun on proposals to revamp Bewdley's medical centre to provide state-of-the-art primary care and community services for the town's residents.

The intention is to replace the present building, in Load Street, with larger and more modern premises.

Funding for the scheme has been secured from the Strategic Health Authority.

Gillian Goodlad, acting primary care lead for the PCT, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Bewdley, which will see a significant investment in improved local services.

"Load Street lies at the very heart of Bewdley town centre and the redevelopment of the medical centre may also provide wider opportunities, which will benefit the local community.

"We are, therefore, working with a number of partners and patient representatives over the initial planning process, with a view to maximising these opportunities."

A local steering group has been set up to oversee the project and they will be ensuring patients and the public are involved as the plans take shape.

Architects will be taking into account the 100-year flood line, following input from the Environment Agency.

The current centre on Load Street is mounted on strong stilts and the same considerations will have to be taken into account.

Bewdley Town councillor, Anne Mace, who sits on the steering committee said: "It is a very exciting opportunity for the people of Bewdley. It is good that, for once, we are talking about expansion of medical facilities instead of cutting back, which seems to be the norm in Wyre Forest.

"I think we have got a superb medical team in Bewdley and they deserve to have the chance to expand their services."

She added: "We want to make it quite clear that, as a minimum, all existing services, including the fire station and the library, will remain.

"Car parking provision will be retained and we hope that an innovative redesign will also provide space for affordable housing units and improved accommodation for a range of local services."

It is estimated the necessary planning and consultations will take a year, followed by another year for the first phase of building work to be completed.

Parties involved in the plans include Wyre Forest PCT, Bewdley Medical Centre, Bewdley Town Council, Worcestershire County Council, Wyre Forest District Council, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and Wyre Forest Housing Association.