I write to inform the Malvern Hills Conservators precept and income tax payers of my sincere concerns regarding the management of the Conservator's flock of sheep.

At the initial public consultation meeting, experienced farmers, grazers and members of the public expressed their concerns; warnings and advice were given on sheep worrying, motor vehicle accidents and the potential of a foot and mouth outbreak.

Needless to say, the Board's flock has suffered several attacks by dogs, resulting in many deaths and consequent animal suffering. Unfortunately for the farming community, foot and mouth did happen, creating unexpected extra expense and work arranging accommodation and extra feed for the Board's flock, not covered within the management plan.

In the year 2003 some 229 ewes produced 126 lambs, not a very impressive result. Then, 56 of these lambs went missing, believed stolen, though this number could be anything between 18 and 60 according to officers, the chairman of the Board and insurance loss adjusters.

Recently two field/warden members of staff have taken over the management of the flock.

A recent proposal made by the director, discussed at a Land Management Committee meeting on March 31, 2004 reads: "In the farming year the sheep are taken off the hills six times and a thorough count is done... Conservators need to accept that it is not realistic for the shepherd to continually search the hills when there is a small discrepancy of a few sheep. However, for larger discrepancies the shepherd will obviously continue searching where a group of sheep may have wandered off."

Unlike the Land Management Committee, I find this proposal totally unacceptable and irresponsible. As owners of any livestock, the Conservators have a primary welfare duty to be responsible at all times for their livestock. However many number of sheep are missing, they should be searched for without delay as they may be hung up in briars, wounded by dogs or hit by vehicles etc.

The Conservators must be made aware that as trustees they should be managing their assets responsibly and maintaining value for money as a public funded organisation.

D A MASTERS, Hall Green Close, Malvern.