THE public is invited to comment on controversial planning applications near Upton Upon Severn.

The applications, relating to gravel expansion at the Cemex site at Ryall, have been the subject of controversy, with some concerned over the effects of the proposed rowing lake on the Fish Meadow.

Upton Town Council said it has been reassured there is no need to choose between the fishing lake and the festivals.

On the Town Council Facebook page, it said: "Following some controversy over the effect of the proposed rowing lake on the use of Fish Meadow, the council has been reassured that there is no need to choose between the rowing lake and the festivals.

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"Many acres of Fish Meadow will still be available on completion of the gravel extraction and creation of the rowing lake. Additional land at the location has been made available for the festivals. The site will undoubtedly look different, and the route to the site will change - there are new accesses currently under construction.

"No gravel extraction will be done while any festival is taking place on Fish Meadow. There will be fencing to prevent access to the extraction site, but when works are complete the backdrop to Fish Meadow will be the landscaped rowing lake."

For more information about the planning applications, go to www.uptonuponsevern-tc.org.uk/consultations.