THE MALVERN Hills Trust has claimed the 'toxic' row over its controversial plans for its future could be impacting the well-being of its staff. 

Campaigners have reacted with outrage after a motion put forward ahead of this week's Malvern Hills Trust board meeting asked members to note the impact an 'inflammatory and grossly misleading misinformation campaign' against plans for a private bill was having. 

The motion, made by the chair of the Trust staffing committee, Charles Penn, further claims the 'toxic activity' of campaigners may have negatively effected staff members at all levels of the organisation.

Staff were also thanked for the professional manner they continued to work during this 'difficult time.' 

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Campaigners have hit back at this motion, claiming the Trust was being 'undemocratic' and merely trying to discredit their concerns. 

The Malvern Hills Trust has opened a public consultation on proposals for updating the Trust’s governance to make it 'fit for the 21st century', with these changes to the way the Trust is run having to be made in Parliament through a private bill. 

The Malvern Environment Protection Group claims, that if the bill is introduced,  they will lose their democratic right to elect their own trustees and feel public access to the hills would be restricted. 

The Trust has staunchly opposed these points, labelling them as unfounded, inflammatory and grossly misleading. 

Trust CEO Deborah Fox said: “I feel reassured trustees have made a statement in support of staff welfare.  

“This misinformation goes beyond genuine local concerns. 

“We have provided answers to commonly asked questions on our website where the Trust’s responses to misinformation can be checked."

Cllr Paul Bennett, who opposes the Bill, said he was baffled by the motion and added it felt like the organisation was no longer willing to be democratically controlled. 

He added: "Nobody is opposed to reform if it is sensible, constructive and in the public interest, but people need to know this isn't being done in their interest.

"I love these Hills I go there every day and I am almost in tears thinking about this, as this has ramifications that can last for a century."

Katharine Harris, speaking on behalf of the Malvern Environment Protection Group, said: "To make such comments at a public meeting is an insult to us, people on the other side have the right to express their opinions too.

"We are not being given a full and proper say on what is happening and we resent that."

An extraordinary meeting of Malvern Hills District Council has been called for next Thursday, July 18, where councillors will be discussing this bill. 

A public consultation is being run which closes on July 22, or five days earlier for paper questionnaire responses. 

Email www.malvernhills.org.uk/governance-changes/ or email info@malvernhills.org.uk for more information.