A WATER tower in Droitwich Spa has become a blot on the landscape, say members of the town's Civic Society.

The group claims Yew Tree Hill Water Tower is being ruined by unsightly phone masts and a "slum-like" collection of huts around its base.

Now the group is calling for the tower to be given a facelift and the phone masts painted blue to blend in with the sky.

"In the past few years, the mobile telephone companies have been putting masts on the water tower and, as a result, it's become very, very unsightly," said Stuart Haywood, chairman of Droitwich Spa Civic Society.

"The water tower is in a very prominent position and one of the first things you see when you enter the town.

"There's lots going on in the town now, with new buildings and new developments, and it has a bright economic future, so now is an opportune time to get something done to improve the look of the tower.

"It's owned by Severn Trent and I think it's unfortunate that it hasn't done something about what has become an eyesore."

The society has backed a suggestion by retired architect Frank Hazzard, a member of the Civic Society, to paint

the original tower in a stone or buff colour and the metalwork in a very pale blue.

"My suggestion was to clean down the tower and restore it to its original appearance, which would make the shape of the tower more clear," said Mr Hazzard.

"I'd also like to see the aerials, dish and all other metal work painted a contrasting colour which might, when seen against the sky, make it less obvious than it is now."

The Civic Society's recommendation has been passed to Droitwich Town Council, which in turn has forwarded it to Severn Trent for consideration.

A spokesman for Severn Trent said: "We have spoken to a number of residents about the tower and we know they think it's ugly.

"There's nothing wrong with the tower operationally, so it's not a priority. We look to spend as much money as we can on improving services.

"We will look at the issue once we get the letter."