THE Droitwich canals project will be a disaster for the town, causing landslides, destroying rare birds nest sites, and maybe even posing an explosion threat.

At least that is the view of an anonymous letter writer, who apparently works for Wychavon District Council. The writer, who goes under the name A Whistleblower and uses Wychavon District Council-headed paper, said the plans for the canals will throw the town into disarray. He or she has sent in two letters to the Advertiser about the initiative and has also been in touch with other local media.

In the first letter, A Whistleblower claims the plan is causing concern among residents in Chawson Valley, who fear their properties will be damaged by any building work.

"Wychavon District Council wants to excavate the area and form moorings, promoting custom for a pub and shops planned opposite. Canal builder, James Brindley, originally created a breakwater and planted the reeds to absorb boat bow waves that would wash away local loose sub-soil. Canal groups and canal side residents fear possible bank erosion with possible property damage," states the letter.

A Whistleblower adds the same works will endanger a rare nest site of reed warblers, and in the latest letter, the writer claims campaigners fear an explosion if the canal plan goes ahead.

"Experts warn extension pilings required to develop waterside apartments and office blocks on the former site of an old gas works at Netherwich Basin, Vines Park, may release trapped gas pockets or disturb residual chemical soil deposits. Any local burn-off may ignite nearby chemical works in Union Lane, causing an explosion."

Wychavon District Council's head of legal services, Ian Marshall, said: "With regards to the birds nest site, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has assured us they do not consider it an issue. The same can be said for the subsidence allegations. We have been in touch with the British Waterways board and decided everything is OK. We have always been in touch with British Waterways regarding the possibility of releasing any gas. As with any development, we will make sure proper health and safety precautions are taken.

"It seems quite possible this person does work for us, but we are not concerned as the allegations are without substance."