THE Malvern Hills Trust has been urged to improve its communication around plans to change its governance. 

The call has been made by West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin in a letter sent to those who have shared concerns about a consultation to change its governance through a private bill. 

But the chair of the trust, John Michael, said Dame Baldwin felt reassured following a meeting between the pair and vowed the trust would improve its communication with the public.  

A spokesperson for Dame Baldwin confirmed the meeting had reassured her.

The bill has been hotly debated with many expressing fears the mooted changes would negatively impact the Malvern Hills in the future.

Many of the concerns raised, such as the fear the trust could build solar farms on the hills, have been labelled misinformation by trustees.

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The Malvern Hills board of trustees is currently considering the results of a consultation and will agree on what next steps it will take on its governance. 

Next Thursday (October 17), the trust board will decide whether or not to proceed with a Parliamentary Bill to make these changes. 

In a letter to members of the public, seen by the Gazette, Dame Baldwin said: "The current legislation has worked well for decades to protect our magnificent hills. 

"There needs to be a high bar to make any changes and I await the decision of the trustees. 

"There is no need to rush or to seem secretive. 

"I have urged the trust to improve its communication to ensure the correct facts are shared with the general public.

"I continue to follow this matter closely and will have a further meeting if the leadership of the trust decides to proceed with a parliamentary bill at this stage.

"It only takes one Parliamentarian in either house to object for the bill to be stopped in its tracks."

At a special meeting of the Malvern Hills Trust board on Thursday (October 10), trust chair John Michael said: "We had a meeting with Dame Harriett Baldwin MP after which she expressed reassurance after speaking with us particularly after Harriett had written to those who had shared concerns about our consultation. 

"We agreed we want to protect our beautiful hills and commons and to improve our communications with everyone. 

"Recently we had constructive meetings with a number of those who had concerns about the governance changes, which include retired trustees, and members of the Malvern Environment Protection Group."