A GROUP of disabled nature lovers have spoken out against access being used as an argument in favour of creating a cable car on the Malvern Hills.

Malvern For All, which has come up with the controversial project, says that one of its main aims is to open up the hills for all those who are barred by age or disability.

But the Disabled Ramblers, a national charity which aims to get mobility-limited people out and about, says the hills are largely accessible given the right mobility aids. .

John Cuthbertson, director of the charity, who lived close to the hills for many years, said: "It is relatively easy for everyone to access the summit of Worcester Beacon.

"For the less able, mobility scooters are quite capable of reaching the summit from several start points. The easiest is from the Wyche car parks, from where a standard pavement mobility scooter can access the summit. From Great Malvern, North Quarry or West of England car park, a scooter suitable for use on the road should be able to reach the summit.

"The sense of achievement experienced when a scooter rider reaches the summit has to be experienced to appreciate properly. All this would be lost by travelling on a cable car."

Mr Cuthbertson, who has led numerous rambles in Malvern and elsewhere, says all that needs doing is the removal of man-made obstacles such as steps, stiles and gates.

"Thanks to the Conservators' policy of keeping the hills open to all, we have run rambles over almost the full length of the Malvern Hills from North Malvern Quarry to Castlemorton Common."

Mr Cuthbertson is not himself disabled, but his wife is, hence his involvement with Disabled Ramblers.

Conservators director Stephen Bound said: "We’re keen to ensure the hills are accessible to as many people as possible. We have spent over £50,000 on providing paths suitable for people with disabilities and we will continue to review access provision. However, a cable car is definitely not the solution. Mobility scooters, unlike a cable car, will not permanently degrade the landscape and damage nationally-important wildlife habitats."

Roger Sutton of Malvern For All said: "Access has always been one of our most important arguments, especially as something like 50 per cent of the population are not able to get to the top of the hills because of age, illness or disability.

"It's very interesting that bodies like the National Trust and English Heritage are putting lots of money into improving access to their assets."