MONEY for improvements to St Ann's Well has still to find its way into the Malvern Hills Conservators' coffers.

The Conservators received notice in November that they were to receive £30,000 from Heritage Lottery funds for landscaping work around the historic Malvern Hills caf.

But the grant contract is still being studied by Worcestershire County Council.

Conservators director, Ian Rowat said: "We were told last year that we were successful in our application for funding but it seems it takes a long time for the money to come through.

"We can't appoint anybody to do the landscaping until we get the money."

Worcestershire County Coun-cil's countryside manager Ian Bamforth said: "The project was always due to start in April.

"There might be a slight delay but we are dotting the 'I's and crossing the 'T's on the contract. We're doing it as swiftly as we can."

Despite the lack of funds, the Conservators have announced proposals for a public consultation programme on draft plans for the improvements.

Comments will be invited during an open evening to be held at the Conservators' Manor House office.