RESIDENTS' views are crucial to the formulation of Malvern's neighbourhood plan, a councillor has said.

Councillor Cynthia Palmer urged people living in Greater Malvern, Malvern Link and Barnards Green to help shape the future of their communities.

Cllr Palmer, who represents the Priory ward on Malvern Town Council, presented the relaunch of the neighbourhood plan at the annual town meeting on Tuesday.

She said the success of the scheme is reliant on residents offering their input.

Cllr Palmer said: "Malvern is changing.

"1,606 new homes are set to be built here over the next 15 years.

"We have to grasp all opportunities to make Malvern a better place and help shape it how we would like to see it in the future."

Cllr Palmer gave a presentation at the meeting highlighting some of the main issues across Malvern.

These include traffic problems and parking issues in Greater Malvern, empty shops and the disconnect between the science park and local shopping in Barnards Green, and congestion, housing estates and traffic lights in Malvern Link.

She said these are some of the areas that the town council needs residents' input on.

"Malvern is a beautiful place to live, but one thing is for sure - the town council can't do this on its own," Cllr Palmer said.

"We've got to have [residents'] views and get you working with us so we can build up our plan.

"We have to be positive about shaping the future of Malvern together.

"If we don't do it, then you can be sure others will do it for us."

Anyone interested in having their say is invited to a workshop at the Shaw Suite at the Abbey Hotel on Thursday, April 9.

This takes place between 1pm and 7pm.

For more information, call Clare Lawrence on 01684 566667 or email clawrence@malvern-tc.org.uk.