FEEDBACK on a major £1 million scheme which could see a controversial landmark Kidderminster building demolished and the Richard Baxter statue’s return to the town centre has been “positive”, according to council bosses.

The proposals, along with a public consultation on the draft designs, were launched at Wyre Forest District Council’s state of the area debate earlier this month.

Changes to the Bull Ring – which could include the flattening of Crown House – and improvements to the area around the town hall, Worcester Street and Comberton Hill could be implemented from July.

District council leader, Cons-ervative councillor John Cam-pion, said: “Reaction so far has been very positive. People want to see things changed and will want shops, buildings and spaces that are vibrant and nice places to be.

“There are some things that will take longer to deliver but some can be brought forward to start during the summer.

“We realise places like Worcester Street are feeling the brunt of the economic downturn and we want to support traders.”

The demolition of Crown House, where the post office is based, would make way for new car parking and a “flexible event”

square. It is hoped a water feature will be included in the square and the River Stour, which runs underneath Crown House, will be part of the open setting.

The Grade II-listed Richard Baxter statue, which currently stands at St Mary’s Church, would be relocated to the Bull Ring, where it originally stood from 1875 to 1967.

Proposals for the environment around the town hall would see taxi ranks and bus stops moved from Exchange Street to make way for a pedestrian square.

Worcester Street would be opened up to traffic to link Blackwell Street with Malrborough Street again and the scheme would include shortstay car parking bays and bus stops.

The route from the town centre to Station Approach, along Comberton Hill, would see a new pedestrian crossing next to the station.

Wyre Forest town centres manager Peter Michael said: “There are some very good plans, particularly from my point view in terms of what we can do in the town centre.

“Opening up the Bull Ring to a square would let me put on continental markets or vintage car shows, for example.”

To view the draft designs, visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk