A POTENTIAL investment of more than £900,000 in the Diglis area of Worcester will be debated next week.

Private developers will be contributing £912,000 as part of five Section 106 agreements - legally binding arrangements which compensate the local community for any impact caused by nearby developments.

The proposals will go before Worcester City Council's cabinet on Tuesday, April 15 and the funding must be used to improve public open space at Diglis Playing Fields, Cherry Orchard Nature Reserve and the adjacent riverside.

Claire Edwards, secretary of the Friends of Diglis Fields, said: “The Friends of Diglis Fields are thrilled that such an investment is being made in the area, and delighted that the city council is once more giving residents the opportunity to have their say about the development plans.

“We think the proposals are fantastic and are looking forward to exciting times ahead.”

So far £85,000 has been spent on footpath improvements, play area improvements and landscape design.

Following extensive consultation with local residents, it is proposed the remainder is spent on a number of improvements, including creating a new play area, installing outdoor gym equipment, resurfacing and improving paths and creating a new picnic area.

Under the plans, the number of football pitches would be reduced from three to two.

If approved, it is anticipated the improvements can start later in the year and there will be further opportunities for local residents to view the plans and comment on them in June.