PLANS to paint a Grade II listed milestone have been approved - despite an objection from parish councillors.

Malvern Hills District Council wants to paint the 18th Century landmark white on Bromyard Road, Knightwick, to make it less vulnerable to damage.

However, Knightwick Parish Council's members complained that it was not originally painted and was not intended to be.

"If painted, it would become more conspicuous and vulnerable to theft," they said.

But the district council's planning officers said the paint would make the milestone more visible and help it fulfil its original function.

The council's northern area planning committee voted in favour of the proposal at Wednesday's planning meeting.