MALVERN Hills chiefs are investigating why problems of motorists getting bogged down in a car park designed to cope with wet weather are persisting.

Several motorists have found themselves stuck in the mud at the new environmentally-friendly car park at the Old Hills in Callow End last month.

The problem got so bad the Malvern Hills Conservators, which manages the hills, had to close the car park.

However, they have since brought in labourers to address the problem by installing drainage on site and it was due to re-open earlier this month.

But Conservators director Ian Rowat said the car park still remains closed as the area is still wet.

He said: "As soon as it dries out we'll re-open it but we can't put people on to a car park that has got problems on it."

The car park was installed in spring this year with the surface - called Suretrac - being a mixture of coconut and sand which retains water and nutrients and withstands wear and tear from vehicles.

It cost in excess of £20,000 and was funded through a grant.