RESIDENTS have been urged not to collect water from the Waitrose spout in the belief it is spring water.

Environmental health officers have expressed alarm over plans to formally recognise the new water feature, formed as part of the Waitrose development.

They say the belief that it contains spring water is wrong and giving it formal recognition could encourage the belief it is safe to drink.

"The water discharging from the pipes in Back Lane below Waitrose car park is not spring water and should not be drunk," said Frank Seabright Head of Environmental Health Services Malvern Hills District Council.

"The water is a collection of ground and surface water and tests carried out have shown that it is highly contaminated with faecal bacteria and also contains other chemicals which may cause illness if drunk.

"A temporary notice has been displayed advising people not to drink the water."

Collecting free spring water on the various spouts on the hills is a recognised perk for local people.

The Council's action has been backed by John Ford, chairman of the Malvern Spa Association, which had suggested the naming as part of its on-going efforts to make the most of Malvern's water heritage.

"The District Council are absolutely right to be concerned about the quality of drinking water, not just from this new spout, but throughout the district," he said.

"Quite clearly the water from the new spout is not suitable for drinking and the store has put up a sign to this effect to deter people from taking the water. Hopefully this will have the desired effect."

But he said the intention was to continue with the initiative, in the run up to the well dressing competition on September 9.

"The naming of the new spout will go ahead as planned," he said.

"It is after all another feature of the town, and another part of the series of water features, in the same way as the Enigma Fountain. One would not expect people to drink out of that. We have had a very good response so far to the search for a new name and the winner will be announced on September 9."

But Mr Seabright said the Council would be looking for further talks.

"We are talking to the Spa Association about the whole issue, including the naming," he said.