THE town's Tory MP Peter Luff has welcomed Conservative proposals that could end Droitwich Spa's endless growth.

Mr Luff was speaking after the Conservative Party's spring forum.

Tory environment spokesman Archie Norman made it clear to supporters that an early priority for the party would be to end national and regional housing targets.

Mr Luff said: "Droitwich Spa, and indeed the whole of Worcestershire, has suffered because a large number of houses are imposed on us against the wishes of residents.

"What we need are more homes for local people, not executive homes for people who want to move out of Birmingham.

"We should be encouraging people to stay in urban areas, not move into new homes built on Worcestershire's green fields."

He added: "Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon District Council cannot refuse to take the house numbers imposed by the Government.

"It's time to end this system that speeds up the run-down of our cities and gobbles up our countryside."

The county council's social services portfolio holder, Peter Pinfield (Lab, Droit.Town), said: "I would be strongly opposed to any plans ending building targets.

"I think to let authorities set their own targets is a very dangerous idea.

"If targets were not set, properties suitable for younger people may not be a priority for a developer."