THE northern end of the Malvern Hills are being re-opened to walkers this weekend.

Malvern Hills Conservators announced the move late yesterday afternoon following discussions with local councils, MAFF and the Environment Agency.

The area open will be from the Wyche Cutting to the north point of the Hills, including Worcestershire Beacon, the area previously considered the safest as it is bordered by housing rather than farmland.

Four car parks will be open - Beacon Road, Earnslaw Quarry, North Malvern and Tank Quarry - and foot baths will be in place for walkers.

The Conservators say they have identified a less polluting form of disinfectant to use and amended foot baths to meet Environment Agency concerns over the potential pollution of springs and water courses.

Following a hydro-geological survey, the West of England car park will remain closed in view of its proximity to Hayslad Spring. South of the Wyche Cutting also remains closed.

The Conservators have warned the current opening is "experimental" and it may be necessary to close the land again should the foot and mouth situation worsen.

"There will be safety measures in place such as foot baths for walkers and we ask that all local people and visitors abide by all rules and read very carefully all information signs," said conservation officer David Whitehorne.

"In order to assist with the management situation at this time, I would request that horse riders and cyclists refrain from using the Hills."

He added the move has been supported by the National Farmers Union.

In addition to the northern Hills, part of the Guarlford Road from Barnards Green to Guarlford parish boundary and Sherrards Green area will be open.

The news was greeted with a "hooray" from Paul Ferguson, owner of Malvern Outdoors in Church Street.

Mr Ferguson's business has been suffering with the loss of tourism trade. He said the announcement was "excellent news".

"A big thank you to the Conservators and I look forward to seeing the rest of the hills opened, particularly British Camp," he said.

At St Ann's Well Cafe, John Redman was equally pleased.

"It's better late than never and obviously I'm delighted," he said.

Helen Thomas from the Foley Arms Hotel in Worcester Road said: "We've suffered over Easter with people not coming to stay because they can't walk on the Malvern Hills. Anything is an improvement."