THE MALVERN Hills Trust has hit back at campaigners who labelled it a 'dictatorship' due to public speakers not being allowed at a crucial meeting about its future.

The trust has called a special board meeting this evening to consider the views of those that responded to a two-month consultation on controversial plans to change its governance through a private bill. 

Several people who have concerns about these plans sent an email to the trust asking to speak as a member of the public during this meeting- but they were refused as public comments weren't on the agenda.

But new trust chair John Michael said people have been allowed to speak at meetings in the past, will be in the future and said public speakers were only off the agenda this time so people's consultation responses could be carefully considered.

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The trust’s standing order 12.5 permits the charity not to take public comments at a special board meeting.

Katharine Harris, from the Malvern Environment Protection Group, told the Gazette the decision was an 'attempt to silence them.'

She added: "Three people applied to make comments and all three were turned down.

"A large portion of the trust's fund every year is contributed by precept payers and yet they aren't allowed to speak at this important meeting. This is not democracy, this is a dictatorship."

Cllr Paul Bennett, who also opposes the mooted bill, added: "This is just terrible. There were around 2,000 people who signed a petition against the Bill, yet this feels like the politburo, not considering what the public thinks."

Mr Michael said the special meeting was an addition to the calendar and would have one item of business so the board could focus the full amount of time on public consultation feedback.

He went on to thank everyone who had completed the questionnaire and let the Trust have their views, adding all responses will be carefully considered.

“The trust is obliged to hold all its board meetings in public and I welcome people coming along. 

"We take public comments at the majority of our board and committee meetings and this happened as recently as July 24 and 30.

“The board has a lot to discuss and I hope those members of the public wanting to speak on Thursday evening understand on this occasion."

Mr Michael invited people to speak at the next ordinary board meeting on Thursday, September 12.