YET again the question has been asked about how the people who pay for the upkeep of the Malvern Hills are represented on the Conservators Board (Your Letters, July 11).

It's a thorny question isn't it? It is one that always comes up as Conservator's election time approaches. One answer to the question suggests that strictly democratic principles should apply - that only payers of the Conservators precept should elect members of the board.

A contrary view, supported by Act of Parliament, is that the board members should be drawn from a wider catchment giving a wider perspective and expertise in the management of our magnificent local heritage.

The really important question is not "Who rules?" but "Who should pay, what is the quality of the management and what is the cost?"

It is a fact that people want to live in Malvern. Look at the price of local property and the number of affluent people retiring here. We all want the best available management of the hills and, I think, we do very well at present.

But surely the hills could be used to generate a bit more income from tourists and from land use. The stunningly beautiful scenery does not generate any income by itself.

Given all of the arguments the precept paying people of the six local parishes are privileged to live here and enjoy the hills every day year in, year out.

ANDREW MYATT, Old Hollow, West Malvern.