THE Malvern Hills were named this week as one of Britain's top ten dog walking locations.

But at the same time as judges from the Good Dog Campaign were singing the praises of the hills, some Malvern residents were calling for dogs to be banned.

The Hills were nominated by Malvern Hills District Council dog warden Paul Hine.

"We're thrilled Malvern got a place in the Good Dog Campaign's top ten walks. The stunning views from the top of the ridge over the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire are simply breathtaking," he said.

Malvern Hills Conservators were also pleased.

"It's good news for Malvern. We're very fortunate to have the hills so close to residential areas, it makes them so easy to access, especially with the paths and car parks. There aren't many places in Britain where it's so easy to get up so high and enjoy the view," said Conservator John Raine.

But anything which encourages even more people to walk their dogs on the hills will not be welcome by everyone.

Recent calls on the letters page of the Malvern Gazette for dogs to be banned from parts of hills have resulted in a flurry of letters in support of the idea.

n Brian Sissons, of Assarts Lane, wrote: "I would welcome a few hills where I could look at the view and not bother too much where I was putting my feet."

n Angela Smith, also of Wells Road, wrote: "I am offended by owners who simply assume I will accept their dog's mess, will be happy to be sniffed at and will even want to stroke or talk to the dumb animals."

n Yeats Hay Road resident Ann Armstrong wrote: "I would like to see a society where dogs are only permitted by agreement (like smoking) rather than the total freedom they now enjoy... I would suggest we have just one hill for dogs so that we can truly enjoy the rest of the hills."

Director of the conservators Ian Rowat said there was no question of making parts of the hills dog-free.

"There's plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the hills. We just ask dog owners to be good mannered and clean up after their pets for the benefit of all users of the hills," he said.