EYES are being trained on Manor Farm Leisure, Harvington near Evesham now diggers have moved onto the site.

After nearly six years of dispute with neighbours, Max Byrd has finally got the all clear to extend one fishing lake and create a further five on his land.

Members of an action group formed to oppose the scheme fear a sand and gravel quarry could be created during excavations, causing a noise and pollution nuisance to neighbours.

Spokesman for the action group John Jenkinson said: "RMC, the company doing the work, has started digging the lakes, but we do not know how much sand and gravel is being extracted.

"Until we find out more about the conditions, and whether the company need a sand and gravel extraction licence from the County Council, we will be observing what goes on at the site on a daily basis."

Wychavon District Council planning officer Phil Wears said: "Under the conditions we could not insist on the agreed tonnage to be extracted but have agreed the shape and depth of the lakes. The company has also signed a legal agreement on planning terms and conditions."

He said the works were to be divided into seven sectors for excavation and restoration one at a time. No lake is to be more than 12ft deep, working hours are from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8pm to 1pm Saturday, with no Sunday or bank holiday working. Mr Wears added that a wheel washing machine must be used for vehicles going on and off the site to ensure the road remained mud free, and all works must be completed by May 10 2004.

It was back in 1996 that the plans were first lodged and passed the next year, but villagers grew concerned when they realised that sand and gravel was being extracted by previous contractors without a licence.

Worcestershire County Council, which controls mineral rights, ordered the work to stop, but Manor Farm Leisure appealed against the order.

In October 1999 an inspector at an informal hearing said the order was too vaguely worded and suggested a public inquiry. Instead the County held round table talks and ever since January 2000 Wychavon District Council's planning department has been negotiating with the applicants to find a solution.