I HAVE been a visitor to the Malvern Hills as a man and boy for the past 60 years and always enjoy my visit because, as far as I am concerned, nothing has changed.

That is until last Friday, when I was confronted with a demand to pay to park my car on an area of public open space.

Malvern Hills Conservators provide a parking meter that is unattended and offers no change.

Do they really expect a visitor who has travelled a round trip of over 80 miles to return to town to obtain change?

I sat in my car for a while (I am a disabled war pensioner) and during that time the high winds gathered up the fine dust particles that you would call a 'car park topping material' and carried them off in great clouds of dust. It covered parked cars and descended upon a group of young hill-walkers.

The cheap specification which you have used is totally inadequate.

In addition to this, if you really have a concern about "public enjoyment" you would have provided some shelter for the elderly traveller against inclement weather, even some toilet accommodation, waste bins and some discreet facility for family picnics. You actually provide nothing!

In other words, the parking fee is nothing more than a profiteering disgrace.

Ray Hollins, St Bernards Road, Solihull.