MALVERN is in the top ten per cent of heritage spots throughout the country, it has been revealed.
Heritage Index England placed Malvern Hills in the top bracket of 325 local authorities across the UK for what the area has to offer.
Its parks and open spaces were ranked in the top one per cent; cultures and memories were in the top eight per cent; while the historic built environment featured in the top 25 per cent.
The Heritage Lottery Fund put together the database comparing history in towns and cities across England.
Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, said: “Personally, I place Malvern much higher in the rankings but it will come as no surprise to local people that Malvern is so highly regarded, both for its natural beauty and its heritage.
“The Malvern Hills have inspired great works of art for many centuries and it is fitting the Heritage Lottery Fund has formally endorsed this long-known fact.”
Coun Phil Grove, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, added: “This is excellent news.
“We are very proud of our heritage and we work hard, along with a range of other organisations, to protect and promote it.
“The Route to the Hills project will build on that work and further enhance the district’s reputation.”
Malvern Hills ranked higher than neighbouring Wychavon, Redditch, Wyre Forest and Bromsgrove, but was beaten by Worcester, which ranked in the top ten overall.
