THE inquiry into the battle over St Ann’s Well Cafe suffers from the same imbalance that has afflicted media reporting of the conflict.

Both turned a critical gaze on the Malvern Hills Conservators, while taking Mr Redman and his supporters largely at face value. This neglects the vital question of why the Conservators were so keen to oust a sitting tenant that they ignored legal advice not to (Malvern Gazette, September 21).

At least part of the answer might lie in Mr Redman’s habit of frequently closing the cafe by 3pm, even in high summer, neglecting the many walkers, including me, looking for refreshments in the afternoon and early evening.

The new closing time of 4pm is better, but still not good enough.

The prime purpose of St Ann’s Well should be public benefit, not providing a living to Mr Redman and a hangout for vegan celebrities.

In all the arguing, this point seems to have been lost. The Conservators were right to try to remove him, even if their methods were flawed.

I hope that when the new lease comes up for renewal, the Conservators employ better lawyers and the media more balanced reporting.

GRAHAM GARDNER, Slough, Berkshire.