WALKERS and horse riders could soon be segregated on the Old Hills at Callow End, near Worcester, if agreement can be reached with everyone concerned.

The director of Malvern Hills Conservators, Ian Rowat, has met residents of Callow End to discuss the problems caused by horses being exercised on routes used by walkers. There had been complaints about the dangers of deep potholes in the winter caused by horses' hooves when the heavy clay soil was saturated.

"We listened to people's suggestions and we think they put forward some workable ideas," said Mr Rowat.

"Now, we want to visit the four major riding stables in the area and try to reach an agreement that they will restrict their use to certain paths, particularly in the winter."

Paths on the Old Hills were laid out like the spokes of a wheel, with the hub at the top and it should be possible to keep some 'spokes' for the riders, if they agreed, said Mr Rowat.

"There is some goodwill on the walkers' side. Now we have to see what the riders say," he added.