A PROPOSED plan to bring a new residential care scheme to Malvern on the site of almost 70 existing homes for elderly people has come in for stinging criticism from a local councillor.

Festival Housing continues to develop plans to replace existing sheltered and “very sheltered” units at Brookside and Gloucester Close with the multi-million pound scheme, which would feature a gym, well-being room, spa-pool and restaurant available to the local community.

But Coun Clive Smith, who represents Malvern Link on Worcestershire County Council, claims the proposed development would be “an act of sheer vandalism on the part of Festival Housing”.

He said new facilities and a community centre would be welcome in Malvern, but not at the expense of the existing accommodation and the needs of its residents.

“There is a desperate need for very sheltered accommodation throughout Malvern so that our vulnerable older residents can live in peace and security,” he said. “It is not as if Alexander Gardens is an old, tired building, it is barely 20 years old, if that.

“I will do all I can to persuade Festival Housing to reverse this decision without delay so the residents no longer have to live in fear of being displaced with all the stress involved when old and vulnerable people are moved from their homes.”

The proposed 100-unit development would cost in the region of £3.8m and Festival continues to investigate funding for the project.

Spokesman Cathy Spence said the scheme would benefit Malvern, bringing up-to-date facilities into the town.

It is important to point out that if this plan goes ahead, and it is still a matter of if, then the Malvern community won’t be losing out, but will benefit from 100 new units,” she said. “Whilst at the moment they are very sheltered units the new accommodation will allow people to remain independent in their own homes for as long as they possibly can.

“The sort of schemes that are there at the moment will still be available in Malvern, but Alexander Gardens provides an opportunity for us to provide a new generation of support for older people.”

Mrs Spence said that, if the development goes ahead, residents would be found temporary accommodation before being relocated somewhere else in Malvern that suits their needs.

“We understand that those would be anxious times for residents and their needs would be cared for on an individual basis,” she added.