MALVERN’s popular Letterboxing Challenge has been relaunched after some of its clues were stolen.
The treasure hunt was launched in May as an orienteering challenge where participants used a notebook with clues and a free map to find rubber stamps hidden in letterboxes across the Malvern Hills district.
Once all stamps have been found, explorers will be able to collect their well-earned ’25 Club Badge’ from Malvern Tourist Information Centre (Malvern TIC)
The challenge was created by Malvern Hills District Council in partnership with Malvern Hills Trust and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as a way of encouraging children and families to get outdoors and be active.
However, since its launch eight locations on the map, including Gullet Quarry and Donkey Shed, have had to be revised and replaced after some of the letterboxes were stolen or identified as high risk of being taken.
Coun David Watkins, portfolio holder for housing and communities on Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Despite having a really positive response to the challenge, some letterboxes have sadly been stolen.
“This has been extremely disappointing but we still have faith in residents to respect the sites and we have high hopes for the new letterboxes.
“We want families and children to enjoy what our beautiful town has to offer whilst being active and having fun.”
Rachel Vann, health and well-Being officer, added: “The locations have been changed to ensure the safety of our letterboxes and to make sure the challenge is still available for families to enjoy.
“We will continue to provide events to keep residents and visitors of all ages active whilst having fun.”
Residents can buy the revised letterboxing pack for £3 from the Malvern Tourist Information Centre on Avenue Road.
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/letterboxing or e-mail [email protected] for more.
