A PRETTY village near Droitwich Spa has been forced to abandon a bid to win the coveted Britain in Bloom competition because of the mess left by workmen.

John Quinn, from Cutnall Green, claims the village is an eyesore after Severn Trent Water workers left rubble-filled holes in June.

He said the village -- which won awards in two Britain in Bloom contests in 1997 and 1998 -- had to abandon this year's bid because of the mess.

"We had a good chance of doing well during this year's contest," said the 57-year-old.

"The area's been dug up and it's a mess. Something should be done.

"Why should we have to live with it?"

"Because of the terrible state of the pavement, with rocks and stones everywhere, villagers can't keep the area tidy."

The gardener and handy man for Droitwich Spa Town Council also attacked Wychavon District Council for falling to maintain the village.

He claims council officials ordered him to move flower tubs placed on the former petrol station forecourt, on the A442, to stop lorries parking dangerously.

"The council never bothers to cut hedges or look after the village and then tells me my flowers, which complement the area, have to go because I don't have permission. But they told me I could put them there in the first place," he said.

Highways Partnership unit manager Geoff Cox said officers would inspect hedges and instruct contractors to cut them if necessary.

But he added he would also be asking Severn Trent to return grass around the work site to a condition where grass can be cut.

Severn Trent spokesman Steve Hodgson said the workmen had not finished the work as quickly as expected but it is now complete.

He added it was now down to local authorities or the site owners to finish work.

"We were laying a connection for three houses and we apologise for the work not being finished as quickly as we would have liked," he said.