THE Conservators is a rather ridiculously constituted body of almost 30 members, which by its very nature tends to be ineffectual and prey to mavericks with their own agendas.

It would be far more practical if the majority of members ceded responsibility to a small group of say five or six, who would then oversee the workings of the professional management.

The question of the sheep on the hills is one of a number of issues that fails to be handled firmly because of too many cooks.

There must be no going back on the use of sheep for hill management. This is a positive system, which is also aesthetically pleasing to so many people. Sadly because of weak management, the question of sheep worrying has never been faced up to except by the use of silly little signs which are completely ignored.

The constitution of the Conservators gives wide powers for the running of the hills for the benefit of all, and there would appear to be no reason why at least one small section of the hills, say British Camp, should not be made dog-free.

This would enable the sheep, the birds, the wild animals and, not least, the majority of people, who do not have dogs, an area free from the constant nuisance and filth of these animals and their largely irresponsible owners. A problem which is getting worse and worse.

Surely it is not beyond the wit of this strange body to achieve this one thing that would serve so many purposes.

DAVID C TARPLETT, Green Lane, Malvern Wells.

Damaging policy

Jennie Hughes (Your Letters, April 16) is right when she points out that Malvern Hills District Council's parking policy is damaging Malvern's traders.

Ample, affordable, convenient parking is essential, if people are to drive into town to shop.

The problem is caused by MHDC's view that parking should be self-funding. However, if MHDC poured half as much into parking as it does into the theatre, more people would shop in Malvern, the shops would do better and MHDC could end its £750 subsidy scheme for new shops.

A 'self-funding' car parking policy may sound attractive, but the resulting poor trading conditions mean businesses now have to be 'bribed' to move into Malvern. Does this really make sense?

Chris Dell, Aston Bank, Tenbury Wells.