LAST Thursday afternoon two friends were calling on us in Ledbury and decided, as it was a beautiful afternoon, to take half an hour out to go to British Camp and enjoy the fresh air and the views on the Malvern Hills for 10 to 15 minutes. They went to the parking meter, expecting a minimum charge of perhaps 50p or at most £1. To their horror the minimum price was £2. Having bought an ice cream they looked in vain for a waste paper basket to no avail. There were no toilets. The only obvious items of capital expenditure were the ticket machine itself and a couple of seats. They left the car park straight away greatly disappointed.

Obviously, the hills need finance for their upkeep, although I do not personally comprehend what major expenses are incurred. Surely though, there should be in existence a graded scheme of payment or perhaps the conservators do not wish people to stop and enjoy the beautiful hills for short term visits? In any case it is probable the revenue would increase, rather than decrease, if lower starting charges were initiated.

J KENNEDY, The Langland, Ledbury.