AN everyday hazard of Malvern life was highlighted by Malvern Gazette columnist 'Ariel' a century ago.

"I have for some time past wondered why a petition was not forwarded from the residents of North Malvern to the District Council against the loud and frequent explosions that take place in the quarries facing the road," he wrote.

"I see they, however, preferred to approach one of their members of the ward, Mr Hayes, who aired their grievance at the last meeting.

"I can vouch for his statement that the 'vibration' in the neighbourhood after a shot is no trifling matter.

"From dawn till night, blasting operations go on intermittently, and with such force that householders whose crockery has suffered from the shock have been heard to express themselves in language a great deal more forcible than polite.

"As illustrating the distance which stones and missiles of various kinds are conveyed, I may mention that Mr Coates, draper, Cowleigh Road, showed me a large piece of metal that was deposited opposite his shop on Saturday last.

"Luckily his sun-blind was down at the time, otherwise the metal would have penetrated the window, with the result that the large pane of glass would have been smashed.

"Had it struck anyone passing along the road, it would have undoubtedly left behind injurious results.

"Blasting in the quarry is necessary, but the loud explosions are far from pleasant, and I am not surprised that the inhabitants of the North are anxious that operations should be carried out in a milder form."