BACKERS of the scheme to build a cable car on the flanks of the Malvern Hills will be obtaining a formal legal opinion of the Malvern Hills Acts in their bid to carry the project forward.

Two weeks ago, Malvern Hills Conservators voted 21-0 to reject the proposal from Malvern For All, on the grounds that the Acts of Parliament which govern the hills forbid building or encroachment on the hills.

But this week, Malvern For All says it will be pressing on with the project, looking for funding and consulting with local organisations and businesses.

Roger Sutton, one of the directors of Malvern For All, said: "We think that the Conservators should continue their discussions particularly in the light of the fact that they are a publicly funded body and have responsibilities to the Charity Commissioners.

"We think that they will find that the Malvern Hills Acts are out of date and will need updating by Parliament – which will give them the opportunity to address the question of improved access."

He said the steps Malvern For All will now take include: obtaining its own formal legal opinion on the Malvern Hills Acts; and working on the need for appropriate funding for the project.

"We aim to engage with organisations and the community later in the year to explore how we can best achieve the aspirations of the town, its people and businesses," he said.

"We welcome the feedback received from all who have contributed to this debate over recent months and weeks and this has been instructive in terms of how Malvern for All will move forwards, working with a wide range of local stakeholders and the public to try and identify the best solution for the town."

He said Malvern For All were disappointed at the tone of the Conservators' meeting, describing it as "rather negative".

"The presentation contained some incorrect information, had a very polarised focus and provided no opportunity to explore any possible options or alternatives," he said.

Stephen Bound, the Conservators' director, said: "The paper presented to the board was a factual statement of the issues which are relevant to the Conservators as the body responsible for the protection of the hills. Prior to the board’s vote, the audience were given the opportunity to add further comments. At least two of the four directors of Malvern for All were present at the meeting. Neither of them raised at the time any concerns about the accuracy of the information presented.”