TOURISM in Droitwich Spa could be boosted by plans to officially recognise the town's rich history.

Remains of the salt industry, which lie beneath the town centre, could soon feature in the country's schedule of ancient monuments.

English Heritage has put forward the proposal and the designated area would cover Vines Park and the Saltway area.

For thousands of years, Droitwich was a major centre for inland salt production.

The town is situated above huge deposits of salt rock, formed millions of years ago.

Droitwich Spa Heritage Project chairman Pam Davey is very excited.

She said: "This move confirms the importance of the town as an international heritage site.

"We would expect this to be a big boost to the town's image among tourists and hopefully our many calls for a brown tourism signs on the motorway will now be granted."

English Heritage is consulting with Wychavon District Council and its final proposal will be considered by the Government.

The blueprint includes land in Gurneys Lane where a new Waitrose store is planned.

Waitrose has now submitted a planning application to Wychavon, outlining its plans to replace the town's market hall with a supermarket."

A Wychavon spokeswoman said: "English Heritage has yet to make up its mind about the designation.

"If the land is designated as an ancient monument, then Waitrose would simply need to apply for ancient monument consent in addition to planning permission."

Scheduling aims to protect ancient sites.