A WOMAN who enjoys walking on a town meadow is worried someone could be trampled by cows following reports of a couple being injured by cattle in Ledbury.

Avon Meadows, between Cherry Orchard and the river, is used by many people as a right of way or to walk dogs. It is also the location of the recently created community wetlands, which includes pathways to encourage people to visit and enjoy the wildlife there.

Now complaints have been sent to both the town and district councils about the cows that are allowed to graze the land.

Catherine Colvin, from Pershore, said: “We believe it is a matter of public safety that this well-used meadow should not be grazed. Cows – usually docile – can, as we all know, become spooked and trample.”

A couple were taken to hospital this month suffering from chest and pelvic injuries after being trampled by cows at a farm near Ledbury.

Mrs Colvin continued: “Wychavon has spent much of our money creating a wetlands area in the meadow.

This is an amenity for everyone who lives in Pershore or who visits our town. However, it is our belief that people are being deterred from venturing into the meadow because of the grazing.

“Older people, toddlers and anyone less than sprightly cannot sprint for the nearest gate if the cattle are spooked. Is the meadow an amenity or an agricultural holding?”

Pershore Town Council confirmed that it partly owned the land along with Wychavon, and that there has been a ‘grazing licence’ on it with various farmers ever since it was bought in 1993. However, this licence is not always exercised.

Town clerk Ann Dobbins said: “In the past few years the creation of the wetlands has, to some extent, changed the nature of the area and it may be that residents feel that its management needs to be reviewed.

“We intend to meet with Wychavon next month and this issue will form part of our discussions, following which we will be able to respond in more detail.”