I WOULD like to comment on one of the points raised by Brian Atkinson in your paper last week.

The conservators are governed by five Acts of Parliament, which makes it difficult for them and the general public to have a clear idea of their remit.

Their terms of reference are Victorian in origin, and there have been many changes in both attitudes and the law since that time.

Lady Serota in the House of Lords debate on the [new] Malvern Hills Act, said in 1994:

“The only other point that I wish to make is that made by the noble lord, Lord Moran, and raised by the Open Spaces Society; namely, that with the passing of this Bill the Malvern Hills will be governed by five different acts.

"In the interests of good management and open government it is essential that there should be a consolidation exercise. I hope that the conservators will feel that they can take that on as soon as possible.

"I understand that it is an expensive exercise for them, but nevertheless I believe that it is necessary if the public are to understand fully how the hills are to be governed.”

see http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1994/feb/15/malvern-hills-bill-hl

The need to consolidate the five acts is now more pressing today than it was in 1995 in view of the uncertainty that exists about the legality of a cable car system.

Mark Young

PR Manager

Malvern For All