EVER since the last donkey retired, Malvern has puzzled over the problem of how to link its greatest tourism asset, the hills, to the town centre, and now Malvern Hills Conservators have come up with a really simple solution.

Anyone who has visited Cornwall's Eden Project will be familiar with the tractor-pulled land trains, which carry people up and down the side of the quarry. They are lots of fun and children love them.

It may not have the sweeping elegance of a cable car, but the town centre is unlikely to see that kind of imagination or investment (unless it's for a new council office!).

The land train idea offers an affordable and realistic way to help more people enjoy the hills and would give an economic boost to the town centre.

Inevitably with the conservators, some members seem to object to anything which makes it easier for people to use the hills.

It's easy to forget that while people from Malvern may be able to find their way up to St Ann's Well, we still don't make it easy for visitors. They can see the hill, but climbing it can look a daunting task.

Anything which helps more people to enjoy the pleasure of the view from the hills is to be applauded.

FOR readers who have wondered where our reporter Lindsay Holder has been for the past few months, now you know.

Her piece this week encouraging people to give blood is typical of the positive way in which Lindsay has faced her sudden illness.

We wish her well and know that with such a positive approach she will make a full recovery and be back with the team.