LONG-lost views and Victorian footpaths will be restored under proposals to tackle overgrown areas on the Malvern Hills.

The Conservators want to remove a number of self-seeding trees between St Ann's Well and Rosebank Gardens, taking in Foley Terrace.

As well as reopening views over the Severn Vale, the aim is to make the hills more accessible and welcoming to visitors.

"It will encourage people to walk up the hills and use the facilities in the town," said director Ian Rowat. "Malvern should be the gateway to the hills and we want to make that connection."

Conservator John Tretheway believes the area is overdue some attention.

"It's a job that needs doing to make this area attractive," he said. "We're talking about Victorian Heritage, not just wild hillside."

The Conservators want to involve other groups and Mr Rowat would like Malvern Hills District Council to restore Rosebank Gardens.

MHDC economic development manager Simon Smith said working together seemed a sensible option.

"We want to get more people into the town centre and my interest in particular is improving the link between the town and the hills," he said. "We'd like to make access at Rosebank Gardens more visible and attractive and it makes sense to try and work together."

The Conservators recently looked at using a land train to take people up the hills from the town and Mr Rowat will meet with supplier UK Loco to discuss it.

He said the public had shown great interest in the proposal.

"People have come up with all sorts of ideas from donkeys to battery-powered vehicles and we're looking to see what we can do," he said.

The tree clearing work would begin in October at the earliest and could take a few years to complete.

Mr Rowat said: "We have a duty to look after the hills and this would be a sensitive restoration.

"Depending on the amount to be done and the cost, it may have to take place over three or four years."