PLANS to extend a cyclepath in Malvern Link have been criticised by Malvern Hills Conservators.

Worcestershire County Council wants to lengthen an existing route, from Malvern Link station to Pickersleigh Road, as part of the town's cyclepath network.

The Conservators were asked last week to look at a possible extension from Upper Chase Road across the common, over Barnards Green Road and down Geraldine Road.

Part of this route would cross land belonging to the Conservators, several of whom felt the new cyclepath was unnecessary.

Committee member Brian Pilcher said: "There has already been a great deal of money spent creating a cycle track on Pickersleigh Road and I've yet to see a cyclist use it.

"I'm a cyclist and approve of cycle routes but there's no need for this."

John Wallace, traffic management and development control manager at the Malvern Hills Highways Partnership, said the suggested route was not final and that nothing would be done without consulting local council representatives.

He said: "At present we're still considering a number of options for extending the path. These will go before the planning committee in a week's time.

"We'll not be doing anything until local council members have considered the plans fully."

The Conservators decided to defer their decision until the full plans were available and they would be able to see the extent of any changes that would need to be made.

A cycling officer from the county council will be asked to make a presentation on the path at the group's next land management committee meeting on November 27.