MALVERN Natural Mineral Water is to be rebranded and relabelled so more bottles can be sold.

The internationally famous brand will now be known simply as Malvern English Water from next month.

Its owner, Schweppes, has chosen to reclassify the water to provide better continuity of supply throughout the year and so meet demand.

The Colwall factory cannot bottle some water at the moment as it does not meet the requirements for natural mineral water regulations under certain weather conditions.

By forgoing this regulation, the firm can now bottle everything.

Company spokesman Lauren Branston said: "The Primeswell Spring, like many natural water sources, can be affected from time to time by changes in the weather.

"During periods of heavy rainfall following hot, dry weather - like we experienced in 2006 - water does not qualify for natural mineral water status and so cannot be bottled.

"This particular situation arises because during these weather conditions, the natural filtration process that takes place whilst the water travels through the rocks of the Malvern Hills, needs to be supplemented by additional filtration once it leaves the spring.

"Under the current NMW regulations, water cannot be bottled when this happens.

"By labelling Malvern' English Water, we can ensure sustainable production of the Malvern' brand."

The firm has insisted the quality, taste and mineral content of the water will not change.

"We're offering our consumers the same water with the same fantastic heritage," she said, adding Malvern remains a valued, niche brand.

She said: "There's a long history of bottling water from the Malvern Hills and we look forward to continuing with our strong presence in Malvern, serving our customers and providing employment at our Col-wall plant."

Malvern English Water will be distributed from the factory next week, hitting the shelves at the beginning of February.

Alan Jennings, 68, from Powick: "I have no objections to the name change, as long as the company explains to people why it has changed. If they make that clear, then I don't see a problem."

Lizzie Swinswood, 19, from Malvern: "I'm not fussed about the change of name. I work at the Splash and we stock the still and sparkling Malvern water there, so I drink it, and I still would if I bought water from different shops, it wouldn't bother me."

Valerie Greaves, 73, from Malvern: "The different name change doesn't matter to me and wouldn't put me off at all - I'll still stick with it. So long as it comes from Malvern, I'll drink it, and I think we should promote it more."

Roy Palmer, 74, from Malvern: "I occasionally buy the bottled Malvern Water but used to go up to the Hills to get it from the spring. I must admit, the name change might put me off buying it."

Natalie Evans, 18, from Malvern: "I would notice the name change, even if I wasn't told about it, but I do like it the way it is now. Lots of people drink Malvern water and I probably still would after the name change."