PLANS to upgrade a footpath in Malvern Link to a bridleway have been criticised by Malvern town councillors.

Worcestershire County Council wants to widen the footpath that runs from Queen Elizabeth Road to Lower Howsell Road as part of a project to increase accessibility across Malvern.

The path is heavily used by residents of the Duke of Edinburgh housing estate to get to and from the Link shopping centre and schools.

However, the path gets very muddy in wet weather, and an upgrade to bridleway status means the county council would be able to resurface it.

But at Tuesday’s town council meeting, members said they were worried that if the path were to be upgraded riders would be allowed to use it.

Coun Ian Hopwood said: “I’m extremely concerned.

Lots of mothers with toddlers and buggies use this path.”

Councillors agreed to voice their concerns to the county council.