disabled members of a Malvern Wells golf club have been told their special buggies are not welcome on the course.

The electric vehicles used by some elderly members have been banned at the famous Worcestershire club, at Wood Farm, following worries over their safety.

Chairman Terry Smith said the club had received a number of requests from members to use the ride-on buggies but the hilly nature of the course and lack of suitable paths meant they were unsafe.

He said: "We have taken advice on this issue and carried out a preliminary risk assessment.

"We did inform those members concerned that at the present time we did not feel we were in a position to allow their use on the course."

He said a further risk assessment was being carried out and all members would be told of the outcome.

"The WGC wishes to emphasise that it has no desire to prevent certain members who are no longer able to walk the course from continuing to play golf. However, as a responsible organisation, we have to take safety considerations very seriously."

The decision has upset one Worcestershire Club member, who asked not to be named for fear of losing their membership.

In a letter, they describe the club's policy as "unfair to aged and loyal members."

"This is despite the fact that the members concerned have medical confirmation of their conditions.

"Some of these members are in their eighties and have been members for many years."

At other clubs in the area buggies are permitted, particularly at Sapey Golf Club, near Bromyard, which was created to allow the general use of buggies.

At the Worcester Golf and Country Club at Boughton Park in Worcester, the use of buggies is only permitted for those with a doctor's certificate.