Residents have weighed in on the potential plans for Evesham town centre.

Wychavon District Council released a town prospectus last week, highlighting several potential developments which could transform Evesham into a hub for tourism and leisure.

However, many residents of the town are concerned by the number of housing developments mentioned in the prospectus, such as the idea to redevelop Riverside Shopping Centre to create 70 new homes.

One Journal reader, Paul Draper, posted on our Facebook page: “Houses aren’t what’s needed! The traffic is already at breaking point!”

Another, Sandra Chamberlain, posted: “I'm not normally pessimistic, and I would love to see Evesham come alive again, but all I see is more housing where a car park was and more housing in the almost empty shopping centre.”

READ MORE: Plans for 'ambitious' transformation of Evesham town centre unveiled

Others felt that the town was in need of more facilities in order to accommodate an increased population.

Journal reader Carolyn Powell said: “Before they build more houses we need more doctors, dentists, and schools.”

Another, Alison Hodges, commented: “How can towns with less appeal be thriving yet Evesham looks so sad? Houses aren't the answer here.”

Under the plans, the Riverside Shopping Centre could undergo a major redevelopment which would see up to 70 new homes built on the site.

The potential plans also include the creation of a new arts centre, the redevelopment of several car parks, a focus on making the high street more pedestrian-friendly, and enhancing the riverside.

Despite readers concerns, district and town councillors remain optimistic about the vision for Evesham’s future.

Recently elected town mayor, Mark Goodge, said: “I'm very much in favour of the vision set out in the prospectus, and particularly the ambitions to improve the town centre street scene and make the town more pedestrian and cycle friendly.

“The principle of using brownfield land for high quality town centre housing rather than building on agricultural land around the town is one I fully support, and my conversations with residents suggest that this is a widely held opinion.

“Any major development projects will need to go through the normal planning process and people will be able to express their views as and when that happens, but I hope that the plans do address previously expressed concerns about the outward expansion of the town onto previously open countryside.”

Meanwhile, leader of Wychavon, Bradley Thomas, said: “We fully understand concerns around additional housing particularly given the current infrastructure constraints. 

“The prospectus presents a positive vision to capitalise on our rich heritage and deliver a renewed vitality than enables all residents to fulfil their economic and social aspirations. 

“The proposals contained within the prospectus demonstrate new urban living possibilities that will underpin the investment required to bring new retail, leisure and hospitality options to the town.”

Wychavon councillor for Evesham North, Peter Griffiths, added: “The promotion of Evesham as a tourist destination is one of the key messages which must be highlighted from the Prospectus, with its fantastic river frontage, and historical sites which are unrivalled.  The main message therefore is to make Evesham a more ‘people friendly’ place which will hopefully propel it forward into the next decade.”