A ROW has broken out among Malvern Hills Conservators over the future of the Barnard's Green roundabout.

Members were split over a proposal by board member Dudley Brook to sell part of the Twelve Apostles Island, which the Conservators own, to Worcestershire County Council.

The issue was discussed at last Thursday's meeting of the board's land management committee.

The land includes the trees that are a striking feature of the island. The land is currently leased to the county authority.

Mr Brook's motion follows a consultant's report concerning traffic in Barnard's Green and the forthcoming developments at QinetiQ and Malvern Hills Science Park.

"The consultants had asked the Conservators to consider disposing of the land," he said.

"It's a bit of land that if we were offered it to buy, we wouldn't be allowed to and it's nothing but a silly nuisance over the years."

However, his colleague Sue Thetford said she was totally against the idea.

"To me, to get rid of a piece of land like that is absolutely appalling," she said.

Mrs Thetford expressed fears that new owners of the land would not be concerned for its wellbeing and could get rid of the trees.

"I'm afraid some of them think money is more important than the environment," she said.

Both Irenie Southall and Brian Wilcock feared a public relations disaster if the land was sold.

After discussion it was decided the debate would be postponed until further information was available concerning the preservation of the trees in the event of a sale.