Bulldozers are set to clear a former hospital waste dump despite protests from residents fearing it will destroy a natural wildlife habitat in Kidderminster.Residents were up-in-arms when workmen unexpectedly moved onto land near the Bond Worth Carpet site off Puxton Lane in Marlpool.

Bulldozers working for Cheshire-based Morbain Developments cleared an area the size of a football pitch of brambles and trees.

But they were forced to stop after vociferous protests from residents, who were concerned they were disturbing a badger sett and other wildlife.

Morbain Developments is working on behalf of a pension fund company which owns land and has been asked to tidy up and make it safe, claiming it is riddled with broken glass and sharps and is a danger to the public.

The site used to be a dumping ground for incineration waste from the old Kidderminster hospital which closed in the late 1970s.

It also said the land was not being cleared in preparation for any development. No planning application has been received by the council.

But Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator and residents’ spokeswoman June Fox said: “If the site is dangerous why did they not put signs up and fence it off years ago.”