A NATIONAL radar museum in the centre of Malvern and an "observatory" on top of the hills are the two latest ideas from the group behind the controversial cable-car proposals.

Malvern For All announced the new concepts at the Business Expo held at the the Three Counties Showground on Thursday.

Mark Young of the firm said a "major international infrastructure company" is set to join forces with Malvern For All, although he could not yet disclose its identity.

He said: "The hub of this proposal is a national radar museum to be located in the centre of the town, possibly in the existing Council House as the district council consolidates its accommodation.

"The development of radar in Malvern made a contribution to the war effort at least as important as the work carried out on the Enigma project at Bletchley Park, but has not been properly appreciated."

"The museum concept will be extended to the cable car base station with interactive displays relating to the science of the Hills which will lead via the cable car to a summit observatory.

"The summit observatory will feature a significant scientific content involving the exploration of Malvern's past, present and predicted future in the forefront of all spheres of technology."

Mr Young stressed that although the term "observatory" was being used, people should not think in terms of the traditional domed astronomical observatory.

He said: "We would be vary careful not to disrupt the skyline of the hills."

"The company is confident that many people who have expressed concerns previously will be impressed by this vision of the future of Malvern and its ability to encourage more visitors to the town. We feel confident that this concept can be achieved with no detriment to the ecology and geology of the Hills."

The latest ideas are on show at Malvern Festival of Innovation on Saturday at Malvern Theatres from 10am until 4pm.

Steve Bound of Malvern Hills Conservators said: "Our position is unchanged. The Malvern Hills Acts are very clear. Any building of any type on the hills would be unlawful."

Richard Edwards, founder of Voice of the Malvern Hills, which last week said the cable car plan was financially unviable, said: "Malvern may well need somewhere to showcase its heritage, but the top of the hills is not the place. And using the word observatory is ridiculous. An observatory is a very specific type of building,"