CONCERNS have been raised about a proposal to allow horses and cyclists on a footpath used by mothers and children.
Town councillors moved to issue a word of caution to Worcestershire County Council which wishes to upgrade the pathway linking Queen Elizabeth Road to Lower Howsell Road to bridleway status.
The path has already been widened following an agreement between the two authorities more than a decade ago.
The works are part of Worcestershire County Council’s larger project to make links across Malvern safer and more accessible. The town council has to grant permission for any changes to a certain stretch of the pathway which runs through their land.
However some members argued allowing horses and cyclists on the route undermined the county council’s aim to make the path safer.
Coun Patrick Mewton said: “There’s a complete difference between a footpath and a bridleway, one is to walk on and the other is for horses. It should stay as a footpath there is no reason to upgrade it to a bridleway.”
Coun Ian Hopwood added: “I am seriously concerned about this. Every time I see a bridleway sign I see a horse.
“That footway is for mothers taking their toddlers to school. If it allows cyclists I’m against it for the safety of the people.”
Deputy mayor Julian I’Anson also warned against the move, declaring mothers and horses ‘don’t mix’.
Linda Blake, deputy town clerk, is expected to report back in January following further talks with the county council.
