Outrage over bid for hills

Angry villagers living near a Kidderminster beauty spot are outraged at plans for an outward bound adventure style course attracting up to 100 users a day.

Around 100 people packed out a public meeting last night to protest at the plans to set up two rope courses on Clent Hills, near Kidderminster.

They fear it will increase traffic and noise and destroy the area.

They would be positioned in trees on land near Nimmings Wood car park in Hagley Wood Lane. The proposal has already been thrown out by the parish council.

Schoolchildren, youth groups and businesses would pay £10 per head to use the equipment under the supervision of qualified instructors.

Sessions would last for two hours and in each session there could be 35 people on the site with up to 100 visiting the hills on weekdays and at the weekend.

The company, Closer to the Edge, is behind the idea and boss Mel Ellis said the aim was to build confidence and promote team work and physical learning in a challenging and fun way and stressed it was not a case of people 'swinging through trees.'

Residents say they are not against the project but are worried about the extra traffic and fear their peace will be shattered by the screams of people enjoying themselves.

Margaret Harrison, who lives yards from the proposed location, said: "The roads leading to this site are all broken and narrow, there is not a single one suitable for the extra traffic."

But Mr Ellis, who used to train Royal Air Force cadets and has family living in the village, said the hills were ideal because they are within easy reach of Birmingham.He said:"The ropes are based in trees and won't even be seen and there is very little noise." The meeting was called by the National Trust and will now consider residents' views.