DEVELOPMENT work taking place on land which is due to become public open space has concerned community leaders.

At a meeting on Monday, Droitwich Spa town councillors raised fears about the site off Primsland Way.

Primsland Estates Ltd, which plans a convenience store on part of the plot, has started levelling land, creating huge mounds of soil.

Cllr Eileen Hope (Con, Droit.South) said people can no longer walk their dogs on the land and the soil mounds are very dangerous.

She added: "Some soil has even started slipping into the pond which has gold crested newts in it.

"Currently, we don't own the land but we soon will and we certainly don't want to be responsible for sorting out this mess."

After decades of campaigning, the site was due to be handed over to the council earlier this month.

But the Halesowen-based owners, Barratt West Midlands, have yet to sign on the dotted line. As part of the agreement, the developer will hand over £10,000 towards maintenance costs.

Councillors agreed to contact Barratt's solicitors to find out when final documents will be signed to ensure the council is not responsible for the soil and that the mounds are not contravening planning regulations.