A new campaign group has been set up to protect the hills against a cable car scheme being built on the Malverns.

Voice of the Malvern Hills held its first meeting on Saturday, March 28, chaired by Richard Edwards, a retired geologist.

In a press release sent to the Gazette, he said: "The meeting was packed, and it was noted that the four big reasons for- sited on Malvern For All's website- do not stand up to critical analysis and public opinion, as indicated by an e-petition, is overwhelmingly against the cable car project."

Mr Edwards also stated the aims of Voice of The Malvern Hills are "to campaign against the commercial exploitation of the hills", "to promote an understanding of the natural landscape" and to "encourage people of all abilities to use the hills."

It was also outlined in the release that Mr Edwards plans to organise a symbolic walk along the hills against the cable car being established, and also to create a field centre, near Malvern, which would be available to people of all ages.

Roger Sutton, of Malvern For All, says he was at the meeting and supports the idea of the group, but the people who attended didn't have their facts right.

"The setting up of the group is a good idea, and I attended the meeting which was very friendly.

"However, the comments that were made were ill informed, nor did anyone there make any effort to engage with us to get the correct information.

"If they have genuine concerns about the hills, then they should be looking at developments on the hills, such as the housing proposals in Welland, not just the cable car" he said.

Since plans were unveiled for the cable car scheme in February last year, which is estimated to cost no more than £10 million, it has proved a controversial topic, with letters streaming into the Gazette both in support of, and against, the idea.

Malvern Hills Conservators have remained staunch in their opposition of the project, and in February held a special meeting where it was voted against 21-0, with one abstention.

Along with the conservators, Malvern's Green Party and local branch of the Open Spaces Society, have also stated they are against the idea.

Malvern For All released its plans for the cable car on its website in the same month, along with images of what it would look like.

Despite these schools of thought, Mr Sutton disputes the fact that public opinion is against his group's plans.

He also stated Malvern For All plans to host a public consultation in October, and lodge a planning application not long after.