MAJOR excavation at a town beauty spot has sparked concern among residents.

Swan Hill Homes is developing 66 houses on pastures off Newland Road and builders have cleared tons of soil to make way for the properties.

The work has created a huge hole which is believed to be about 40 feet deep.

The Rev Ronald Waters, of Yew Tree Hill, is worried about safety.

He told the Advertiser: "It's disgraceful. Soil has been cut away next to my property and I'm very concerned about erosion.

"The area is notorious for flooding, how will the estate fair against flash floods in the winter?"

Last year, the retired vicar challenged planning consent granted by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR).

But London's High Court threw out his call for a judicial review.

In 1995, the ardent campaigner blocked plans by Barratt Development to build 100 houses on the meadow.

Droitwich Spa town councillor Frank Payne (Lab, Droit.West) said the area looks like an open cast mining site.

He added: "When enjoying a stroll along Newland Road I was shocked to see the bowels of the earth had been ripped out of Yew Tree Hill.

"I warn anyone who walks, cycles or rides horses to steer clear of land around the edge - one slip and they face an enormous drop."

Cllr Payne viewed the original plans and didn't expect to see major excavation work.

Wychavon District Council said it is the responsibility of developers to ensure sites are safe and secure.

Swan Hill's sales and marketing director, David Wild, said plans for permanent fences at the top of the hill are in the pipeline following a meeting with the district council on Monday.

The developer is planning to hand over part of its land for public open space.

Mr Wild said: "We take health and safety issues extremely seriously and all work taking place complies with our planning consent agreement."