A COUNCILLOR said he felt threatened after he told three men they couldn't ride their mountain bikes on an ancient hillfort.

Following this incident, during which he claimed the men swore at and verbally abused him, Malvern Hills district councillor Paul Bennett has called for clear signage to be installed to protect British Camp to help deter bike riders and prevent any further damage to it. 

When walking along British Camp at around 4.45pm on Sunday (August 18) Cllr Bennett said he saw three men riding mountain bikes in the area, when he politely told them they were not allowed to ride their mountain bikes.

He added the men reacted by swearing at him and were abusive and threatening. 

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Police have been informed and contact will be made to discuss the incident.

He told the Gazette he was simply trying to tell them something they might not have known, as there is no signage telling people they can't ride their bikes on British Camp. 

"The men were very hostile, I felt threatened as they were swearing, being very abusive and kept saying 'Don't you have anything better to do?

"I was polite but they were in no mood to talk and it was unwarranted hostility - I think if I had asked them if they wanted an ice cream I would have had the same reaction from them.

"British camp won't exist eventually as every time people go with bikes there is further damage.

"We all need to make sure it isn't damaged as we're custodians for the future it's important we preserve it when we can as it's a focal point for tourism for the entire area."

The ancient hillfort of British Camp is recognised as nationally important through its designation as a scheduled monument. 

Although there is one bridleway that skirts the lower slopes of British Camp above the reservoir, cycling elsewhere on the monument is not permitted. 

Beck Baker, community and conservation officer for the Malvern Hills Trust, said: "We ask that those cycling here respect our important local heritage by choosing a different, legitimate route to protect the archaeology of the banks and ditches.

“To help cyclists find their way around the Hills and Commons free maps and guides are available on our website, from the Tourist Information Centre and from our wardens and the interpretation board at British Camp car park. 

"We will consider additional signage on the gates from the car park as an opportunity to provide more information for visitors.

“We’re sorry to hear that a member of the public’s enjoyment on the Hills was affected by this negative interaction whilst engaging with other visitors."