Plans to expand Upton Marina, and particularly to build 100 holiday chalets on the site, have understandably proved controversial, dividing opinion in the town and surrounding villages.

It has been a difficult decision for district councillors, but we believe they have made the right one.

We are privileged to live in this beautiful part of the world, and we have a responsibility to preserve that beauty, but we should also be prepared to share it.

Looking after our natural environment comes at a cost and we need to encourage more visitors to help with that financial burden. The new-look Upton Marina promises to be a valuable addition to the range of high quality attractions we need.

Yes, it might be more busy in the summer months, but that should help keep a range of quality shops in town for residents to enjoy in peace and quiet for the rest of the year.

Another showcase for our area is Malvern Hills District Council's Platinum Awards, held this week. This successful initiative has grown in popularity during its five years. This year voluntary groups were also honoured.

While all the winners were well deserved there is a danger of a shift of emphasis away from manufacturing, tourism and technology.

Malvern Hills still suffers from being pigeon-holed as a quirky rural retreat by national and regional press, yet we are home to some world-class businesses with headline grabbing potential and we still need to grab every opportunity to promote that fact.