AN ancient area of Droitwich Spa has taken its place in history.

The Saltway has been scheduled as an ancient monument by the Secretary of State.

Government chiefs want to highlight the site's national importance and protect remains of the salt industry, which lie beneath the town centre.

English Heritage put forward the proposal and the designated area will cover Vines Park and the Saltway.

For thousands of years, Droitwich was a major centre for inland salt production. The town is situated above huge deposits of salt rock, formed millions of years ago.

An English Heritage spokeswoman said: "The archaeology is buried quite deep so there is scope for development in the area but scheduling will allow building to be monitored so this defining part of Droitwich's history and character is not lost."

The schedule includes land in Gurneys Lane, where a new Waitrose store is planned.

Waitrose has submitted a planning application to Wychavon, outlining its plans to replace the town's market hall with a supermarket.

Developers will now have to seek planning consent from English Heritage and the district council.

Droitwich Spa Heritage Project chairman Pam Davey said the move confirms the importance of the town as an international heritage site.

She expects it will be a big boost to the town's image among tourists.

Wychavon's head of planning, Jack Hegarty, told the Advertiser: "We are pleased English Heritage has recognised the archaeological importance of the town centre.

He added: "We intend to work closely with them over future developments in that area."