Work on a major housing development has been brought to a halt.

Developers Taylor Wimpey and Redrow have stopped work at the Earls Court development, west of Bromyard Road.

This comes after the developers encroached on a public right of way, home to an ancient scheduled monument.

County councillor Richard Udall said: "Residents are rightly appalled by the destruction of the footpath, which had been well used.

“They are even more horrified that our history and heritage may have been destroyed by the work.

"Our ancient public footpaths are critically important, we have lost and will be losing so much of our countryside because of these developments, we need to do all we can to protect what's left.

“Earls Court is protected for a reason; the developers must learn that their greed and vandalism will have consequences.”

Worcester News: Work at the Earl's Court development has been brought to a haltWork at the Earl's Court development has been brought to a halt (Image: Kevin Poole)

Historic England, the body responsible for the preservation of sites such as the medieval moated land at Earl’s Court, is investigating what happened.

“We have been made aware of an incident at the Moated Site at Earl’s Court, which is a scheduled monument, and are in the process of investigating the situation,” said a spokesperson.

Redrow and Taylor Wimpey have now apologised for the damage caused to the ancient monument and will be looking to repair the public right of way as soon as possible.

A spokesperson for the consortium said: “Unfortunately during recent scheduled works a contractor working for the consortium inadvertently encroached onto the bridleway.

“We have since met with Worcestershire County Council and Historic England to apologise and agree a solution that we can implement, including an emergency closure of the bridleway while work to prevent water run-off is undertaken.

“Once this task is completed we will work quickly to repair and reinstate the bridleway in consultation with Worcestershire County Council and Historic England.”

Councillor Mike Rouse, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Officers from the County Council are aware of the issues on the bridleway at Earl’s Court, Worcester. We are working with the developer and Historic England to ensure issues raised are rectified. Whilst that takes place the path has been closed on safety grounds.”