Paul Bennett and cyclists row on Malvern Hills latest

Malvern Hills District Council has finished its investigation after a row was sparked over bikes being allegedly ridden on British Camp - a protected fort.

District councillor Paul Bennett claimed he was threatened and abused by the individuals after telling them they could not cycle on British Camp.

But, the three mountain bikers claimed they did not ride their bikes on the protected fort and he was rude to them, leading to a complaint being lodged against the councillor.

Councillor Paul Bennett (Image: MHDC) Malvern Hills District Council has concluded there is not enough evidence to support these claims.

A spokesman said: “We have concluded our assessment of the complaint and we have found the evidence does not substantiate the claims made.

"We will not be undertaking any further investigation.” 

Cllr Bennett said he was pleased with the investigation's outcome and how Malvern Hills District Council and the independent verifier viewed the evidence.

"We have to protect these ancient sites because they are our history and provide jobs and prosperity for the residents I represent in Malvern," he said.

"My ward of Pickersleigh is one of the six that pays the precept (tax) that funds preservation of British Camp and the rest of the Malvern Hills.

"Almost all cyclists on the Hills are careful, courteous and stick to the approved routes.

"They are welcome."

Dr Chris Slinger, one of the cyclists, has declined to provide an updated comment now the investigation has concluded. 

Previously, he said: "We'd ridden our bikes to the Hills.

"The three of us meet up as friends and walked the bikes onto the fort before sitting down for a chat and admiring the view on the beautiful afternoon."

He added the group had repeatedly told Cllr Bennett they had done nothing wrong and to leave them alone, which escalated the situation and led to shouting from both parties.