MALVERN Hills is one of the areas that will take longest to recover from recession in the UK, according to a report published yesterday.

The report by global information company Experian identifies areas likely to “suffer persistent unemployment and deprivation problems” over the next 10 years.

The Malvern Hills district appears alongside councils such as Weymouth and Portland, West Somerset and Stafford. The report’s findings are based on analysis of population movements, industry structure, skills and productivity.

Charlotte Hogg of Experian said: “The tremors of the recession may have been felt in many households and businesses, but the local and central government now needs to brace itself for the aftershock. So far, the public sector has been largely cushioned by government investment and spending. But with unemployment rising, revenues falling and the need for public spending cuts, local councils need to think how they can do more for less.”

But councillor Joe Smith, the district council’s executive committee member with responsibility for economic development, said: “We’re not being complacent, but so far Malvern has been pretty recession-proof. We’ve seen an increase in business start-ups, and a 10 per cent increase in visitors this summer.”

He said the success of Malvern Hills Science Park was one indication of the district’s economic state.

This week, the council approved a new ‘clean room’ facility at the park to be used by the Quantum Technology Partnership. The partnership involves QinetiQ and the universities of Warwick, Lancaster, Aston, Oxford, Birmingham and Bristol, who aim to create a national centre of excellence in quantum technology at Malvern.

Worcestershire County Council has created an Economy Action Group, which includes Malvern Hills District Council and will meet next month.

Chief executive Trish Haines, who chairs the group, said: “I’m confident that responding to the recession effectively will leave us in a strong position for growth when conditions improve.”