AN historic well in the grounds of a former hotel is under threat from development, says Malvern Spa Association.

The Tudor Hotel on Wells Road, once a centre of Malvern's water cure, is being converted into flats. The well and nearby water tanks are under threat from construction of a car park.

Rose Garrard, of the association, said: "This well is an important part of the water cure heritage of Great Malvern and should be preserved for future generations.

"The neglected well is now hidden under rubble and rubbish just behind the boundary of the Tudor Hotel garden and Haywell Walk.

"This whole area is part of the origin of Malvern."

Ms Garrard is urging people to write to planners at Malvern Hills District Council to try to save the well.

The well was discovered in the 1850s by workmen digging in the grounds of the Tudor Hotel, which was owned by water cure pioneer Dr James Gully.

Just yards away, hidden under tarmac in the grounds of the Baptist church, are Hay Well and St Agnes Well, which supplied water to the monks who founded Great Malvern Priory centuries ago.

Malvern Civic Society is also joining the fight.

"We'll be adding our voice to this," said spokesman Dudley Brook.

The Tudor Hotel's owner, David Southall, could not be contacted for comment.