IT would appear that as we move into 2010, the security of Malvern's conservation is under threat as it has not been for many years.

Not only does the future of St Anne's Well Cafe apparently remain unresolved, it now appears that the status of the red telephone boxes on the hills is also now in question. As if this were not enough, the latest blow to Malvern's integrity is the uncertain future facing The Foley Arms Hotel. Nigel Thomas and his staff put up a heroic fight to keep the Foley as an independent, locally-run concern, for which I can only applaud them and express my deepest sadness that it did not succeed. I noted with deep foreboding the comment by Weatherspoons reported in the Gazette, that they will 'own the site' once their purchase negotiations are completed. These are ominous words - does this suggest that they will actually seek to demolish this beautiful place in the months ahead?

If MHDC and also the Conservators, are truly serious in their oft-stated claim to wish to safeguard the heritage, character and conservation of our town, then I along with thousands of other people expect them to put their words into deeds and to work for the preservation of these facilities. Both organisations are well aware of the weight of public feeling over all three issues - thus, if they would in any way claim to represent the wishes of the community which they serve, the Conservators will work with John Redman to secure his tenure at St Anne's Well and also invest in maintaining the hills' red phone boxes, whilst the Council will act to prevent Weatherspoons from in any way damaging or restructuring the 200 year old Foley Arms.

As we progress through Spring in to Summer, I shall be following developments closely. Failure on the part of our local authorities to safeguard the important local features mentioned above, will not only be a devastating blow to this unique part of the world - it will also terminally undermine the credibility of local democracy, and prove once and for all that the feelings of the public count for nothing.

OWEN MORGAN, Cowleigh Road, Malvern.