A CONTINENTAL-style train to take people from Great Malvern to St Ann's Well would help recreate a Victorian idyll.

A local historian also says it would encourage more people to visit the historic beauty spot.

The idea is just one of a number of suggestions which the Malvern Hills Conservators has put out to local people and organisations for consultation as part of its forward strategy.

Friends of Malvern Springs and Wells were asked for their opinions and there was an overwhelming view that the train - a tractor pulling carriages - would be a detrimental development.

However, Cora Weaver, a Malvern resident, historian and member of the Friends said it was a brilliant idea.

"There are many people in Malvern who want to create the Victorian idyll and this is what that would do," she said. "One of the arguments against it is that it would make St Ann's Well very noisy and touristy. But it could not be a very long train taking lots of people because of all the bends going up to St Ann's Well.

"There used to be donkeys to take people up to see the views and get the air. We are not going to have anything belching smoke or leaving oil and it is not going to go haring up there. I think it would be quite sweet."

She said it would enable anyone with mobility problems to access the beauty spot and they would be able to drink the water too.

Conservators' director Ian Rowat said the consultation was due to conclude at the end of July when responses would be collated and presented to the Conservators Access and Information Committee before going to the full board in September.

If the idea gained support the Conservators would then look at the practicalities of providing the train.

Anyone wishing to comment can write to the Malvern Hills Conservators at Grange Road, Malvern, or e-mail conservators @malvernhills.org.uk More information is available on www.malvernhills.org.uk