A MOBILE cafe to serve walkers at Worcestershire Beacon is under discussion by the Malvern Hills Con-servators.

A mix of public response, trader reaction and legal guidance will help the body decide if the Beacon is an appropriate long-term site.

Board members meeting last Thursday welcomed the idea that it could play host to a vehicle serving refreshments but urged caution in making any final decision.

Tenders for the sale of refreshments on the Malvern Hills and Commons are to be invited in February.

Up to six licences are currently issued to a number of ice-cream vans but the Beacon is currently not served as a site. The Conservators have also considered the possibility that the range of refreshments could be expanded.

Board member David Hawkins suggested a Beacon licence be issued and then gauge the public response to its operation.

He said: "If we let one of our sites for this vehicle it should actually be the Beacon site - just to gauge people's opinion on whether it would be a good idea or not."

Fellow member John Tretheway highlighted the benefits of such a move from a personal point of view.

"It's the first I've heard of David's idea but as one who walks the Hills a lot and gets on the Beacon gasping I welcome it," he said.

Dave Masters said he was concerned about businesses recovering from the foot and mouth outbreak.

Director Ian Rowat said firms had been asked to say where such a vehicle would not conflict with trade.

Chairman Richard Graves added those businesses would also be able to tender to run the caf services.

He had earlier commented: "If legally we can do it, we will see what the public response is."

Hereford-based The Coffee Cart company has asked the Malvern Hills Conservators for a licence to sell refreshments.