CALLS are being made to drastically rethink Worcester's landmark Cathedral island revamp - by putting down glass flooring so tourists can peek at a bygone era in the city's history.

Ever since the roundabout's archaeological dig kicked off last month it has ignited an explosion of public interest in the cellars, medieval structures and dramatic reappearance of parts of the old Lich Street.

But with the site due to be completely covered in concrete under a multi-million pound pedestrian square project, councillors now say the original vision is not good enough.

Worcester City Council's planning committee has asked officers to stage fresh talks about putting reinforced glass down, with lighting, to create a significant tourist attraction before it is too late.

The idea, from Labour Councillor Lynn Denham, has won the support of other politicians, who have called it "a great opportunity not to be missed".

The old Lich Street was torn down in the 1960s but the digging work has led to so many people wanting to see it, council chiefs have had to put up orange fences amid safety concerns.

Worcestershire County Council, which is doing the work, has launched a Twitter feed all about it and is considering having guided tours at the island imminently due to the interest.

But it is now under pressure to rethink the scheme, with Cllr Denham saying the public response deserves a fresh vision..

Speaking during a planning committee meeting, she said: "There's clearly a huge amount of public interest in this, if there's any potential to adapt the scheme we should take it - it would be criminal to cover it up again."

Councillor Paul Denham added: "If we put reinforced glass and low level lighting there it would create enormous interest, even if you just saw part of it."

Conservative Councillor Matt Lacey said: "I agree with Cllr Denham, Worcester's got so much history, people come to it for a reason.

"It's almost like we're missing a trick, this is a great opportunity not to be missed."

The current £1.1 million revamp will see the roundabout shrink in size to create a giant piazza-style open space for people to relax in, and is being done alongside work by investors Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund to improve Cathedral Plaza.

The 220,000 sq ft shopping centre will get seven new restaurants overlooking the new public square and remodelled shop units, a gym and foodstore.

The firm did not comment today, but the county council has said it would be willing to talk with the city council.

A spokesman said: "We're delighted with the continued high level of interest in the archaeological work taking place at Cathedral roundabout. "There will be a temporary exhibition once we have secured an appropriate space, along with guided tours for members of the public.

"Any discussions at Worcester City Council's planning committee regarding the long-term plans for the site will need further conversations and consideration."

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