THE threat of hill and scrub fires spreading to homes on the Malvern Hills is worrying residents.

A woman who experienced a hill fire in Cyprus that damaged her home and destroyed 13 others said she would like to see a firebreak created to protect property.

Wray Sanders, whose Queens Drive home backs on to the hills, said: "We can't control the fire aspect because so many people are using the hills. The only other way to do it is to make a fire barrier around all the houses on the hills."

Mrs Sanders said this could be done by clearing a 6ft wide strip of trees, scrub and vegetation to slow the spread of flames.

She also suggested making firefighting equipment, in the form of beaters, available at various places on the hills to stamp out flames as soon as they are spotted.

Maggie Tucker, of Foley Terrace, said residents were aware of the threat of fire and did not light barbecues or bonfires that could trigger a blaze.

She said: "We've been very lucky so far but it's a concern to residents, particularly in the summer when the wood gets dry and youngsters go up on the hills."

Ian Rowat, the director of Malvern Hills Conservators, said he had regular meetings with the fire service and co-operated with its advice on fire safety.

But he said people had to be realistic.

"Residents might want us to clear the area at the back of their homes but just think how much land that would involve," he said, estimating it would cost taxpayers a £1 million.

Mr Rowat said hill fires usually started on a dry area of the hills and moved upwards, away from any properties.

He said most homes were surrounded by green vegetation that was unlikely to burn and that animals grazing on the hills removed dry material and reduced the threat of fire.

Foley Terrace resident David Byram-Wigfield said he felt people should take responsibility for protecting their own homes from fire but said it was a worry that cars parked along St Ann's road could stop emergency services getting through.