DROP-IN sessions for residents in Malvern to learn about the contentious legislation which looks set to shape the future of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have been announced.
Those with questions on the Malvern Hills Bill can meet the team behind the local charity – Malvern Hills Trust (MHT) – to learn more about the legislation currently making its way through parliament.
Sessions are being held at Castlemorton Parish Hall (July 31 – 6pm to 9pm), Malvern Theatre (Monday, August 11 – 6pm to 9pm) and Colwall Library (Wednesday, August 13 – 2pm to 5pm).
These events have been set up as a way for people to learn more about the Malvern Hills Parliamentary Bill, the trust’s crucial conservation work and ways you can get involved as a volunteer in this iconic landscape.
At the events, visitors can expend to meet members of the trust team including trustees, staff and volunteers. Visitors will be also able to ask questions, learn more about the bill, find out about the trusts work and more.
Opposition to the bill has remained high with many residents and even local politicians raising concerns with various aspects of the proposed legislation.
Over 50 people and local organisations have submitted feedback on the Bill and a group of Lords will be convened to consider making improvements to the draft legislation.
Concerned parties believe the bill will give the Trust new and wide-ranging powers whilst replacing the existing five Malvern Hills Act which have served ‘so well’ for over 140 years.
Campaigners garnered 2,500 signatures opposing the bill in October before it went before the House of Lords in June.
Following the campaign last year and a fair amount of consultation responses, trust board members have proposed various changes to alleviate concerns.
Parliament has received over 50 separate submissions of concern, known as Petitions in Parliamentary language.
Parish councils, Malvern Town Council, Malvern Hills District Council and even the County Council have petitioned against this Bill. As well as this, a good number of local residents, councillors and even some of the Conservators or Trustees themselves have echoed concerns.
Visit https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3897/publications and www.malvernhills.org.uk/governance-changes/myth-busters/ for more information.
