A neglected Worthing shopping centre could be turned into a doctors' surgery following strong public support.

More than 100 people have backed plans to revitalise the Broadwater Boulevard shops in Worthing, many of which have been closed for years.

A planning application by The Trustees of Ellison Brothers will be considered by Worthing Borough Council planners next Tuesday.

A petition and 101 letters of support for the redevelopment agreed the site was run-down and the existing surgeries at Broadwater Road and Forest Road needed updating.

One resident wrote: "Local residents are very fortunate in having an excellently-run practice with good, extremely hard-working, caring doctors and support team.

"The conditions which they all have to work in are just not up to the standard of the present-day health service."

If the plans are approved, the Sixties shopping centre would become a surgery with six consulting rooms, two treatment rooms, a prescription and scanning room, a clinic and rooms for a district nurse and a health visitor.

Four objectors were concerned about potential traffic and parking problems.

Council officers have recommended the plans for approval and said in a report: "A large modern doctors' surgery is likely to enhance the vitality and viability of this part of the core shopping area."