PLANS to change the traffic flow in the centre of Great Malvern have been dropped following a public consultation.

Worcestershire County Council launched the consultation in November last year, and among the options was making Church Street one-way.

Over an eight-week period, over 500 respondents shared their views on their proposals.

County council cabinet member Ken Pollock said: "We are really grateful to all the residents for their thoughts and contributions on this consultation. The response rate was very high, which is really positive, but has meant that the report has been delayed, so that all comments could be carefully considered.''

Following the consultation, it has been recommended that there will be no change to the traffic flow on Church Street as the public's view was equally split on this.

The Abbey Road 'stub' outside the archway will also remain as it is, and a public space will not be created due to concerns over the loss of car parking.

There is the possibility of a new public space being created in front of the Priory Church, which came to light during the consultation. This would address the public space requirement without having to use the Abbey Road stub.

The council is also proposing a full review of on-street parking, taxi rank and loading facilities in the town centre.

And it will also explore the possibility of replacing the pavement-mounted street light outside Barclays Bank, and upgrading the wall-mounted lighting in Church Street.

Other recommendations include refurbishing Church Street's pavements and renewing double-yellow lines in heritage primrose yellow.

The recommendations also say Edith Walk will undergo further enhancements to improve visibility and accessibility.

The feasibility, cost and funding sources for the recommendations will now be reviewed and, subject to the final outcome, the work programmed.

Church Street currently experiences frequent short-term congestion in its narrower parts, due to parking, deliveries and buses passing through.

Alongside the on-street parking spaces for about eight cars, there is not sufficient space for two vehicles to pass comfortably, leading to delays.

A study was conducted to consider changes to the traffic arrangements. After considering this report, the council proposed two options. One was the one-way proposal, the other is to keep two-way flow, but carry out various enhancements.