MORE than 100 people packed into a public meeting to hear about plans to build a new medical centre in a Bewdley car park.

Bewdley Medical Practice chiefs want to build the new two-storey facility in a section of Dog Lane car park, in a bid to keep it in the town centre.

The new facility was originally going to be built on the existing site in Load Street, but the plans were thrown into doubt last year.

Further plans to move it to Wribbenhall were also shelved following public outcry.

Dr Matthew Davis, partner at the practice, described Tuesday’s meeting as an “important step forward”, adding the new proposals met with “overwhelming support”.

He added: “It was clear at the public meeting that our plans have tremendous support across Bewdley.

“People see the benefits of the proposals and how keeping the medical centre in the town centre can help support the local economy. We have taken an important step forward.

“The public are not only engaged with the plans but during the meeting it was clear they are eager for us, alongside the council, to progress further and gain full planning permission for a facility that will deliver state-of-the-art health services for Bewdley and the surrounding area.”

Conservative councillor John Campion, leader of Wyre Forest District Council, added: “Support at the public meeting showed that people recognise the long-term importance of new medical facilities and the benefits the development will bring to Bewdley and neighbouring villages.”

He added the authority would work with the practice and patients to find a workable solution.

If planning was approved, the medical centre would include a pharmacy, spacious consulting rooms, child facilities and the latest technology.

A library could also be housed in the development, with building work starting next autumn.