CAMPAIGNERS against a business which set up without planning permission say Christmas has come early for them after it was ordered to cease trading.

Pots Direct set up on Green Belt land opposite homes on Droitwich Road, Worcester, over the spring bank holiday in May.

But the owners have been ordered to remove all pots and racks by January and restore the former tennis courts by March.

Alex Kear, who has led the campaign, is overjoyed with news that Pots Direct lost its appeal against an enforcement notice.

"We've waited for this for quite a long time. It's a nice Christmas present. We've actually got somewhere and it's a relief," he said

"We're dead chuffed that they're going so soon. We're all over the moon."

Mr Kear, his parents and other residents who live opposite Pots Direct launched their campaign against the company when it opened on land which had previously been for recreation.

The owners of Pots Direct set up business on the greenbelt land without applying for planning permission and Worcester City Council served enforcement notices, which were appealed against. A Government inspector made the appeal decision on Thursday, December 6.

"It's taken a long time but we're not completely at the end of the process," said Peter Yates, head of development planning at Worcester City Council.

"If they don't comply with this then they will be committing a criminal offence and we can prosecute.

"The enforcement notice is about the land and not the owner. If the land is sold and someone else tries to set up a business then the land is protected - the enforcement notice still applies.

"We secured the status of the land and that's going to be a good point for us."

Pots Direct has until Sunday, January 6, to remove stock and Wednesday, March 6, to remove the roadstone.

No one from Pots Direct was available to comment as the Evening News went to press.