IT is important to put the discussion about the Malvern cable car in context.

Two years ago, High Street Malvern gave a great deal of thought and time in considering some radical changes to underwrite the future prosperity of the town. They included: Enhance the theatre with ownership of the Grange to enable it expand its display facilities and community projects.

And increase the number of visitors to the town and write a feasibility study on the building of a cable car along the lines of the Conservators’ 1962 plan.

The Grange is still empty and its future subject to discussions within the district council.

The cable car feasibility study was written a year ago and a meeting was held with the chairman and director of the Conservators. Since that time, they have declined to take any part in the continuing discussions.

Everyone involved is concerned that any scheme does not have a serious effect on the appearance and environment of the hills – let there be no mistake.

Some people – a considerable number – think that the scheme is worth considering subject to a number of caveats.

Some people are against the scheme – legal reasons are quoted as preventing the project.

To my knowledge, none of these people are up to date with the details of what is proposed, which are freely available.

I have to ask on what they are basing their opinions?

Some people seem to think that the project is being run for personal profit; this is not the case. The principal beneficiary will be the hills themselves through income to the Conservators. The town traders will benefit from an increased footfall and we hope that a wide cross section of the community will become shareholders.

Subject to public consultation which is planned for the new year, the one factor that could prevent the project is the refusal of the Conservators to agree it.

If they want to do it and support lasting benefits to the town, it will happen.

Roger Sutton

Malvern