New charges for entry to Cirencester Park divides locals

Lord Bathurst said the passes will support a restoration project at Cirencester Park, which will begin this autumn

An upcoming charging system to enter a popular park estate for the first time in 326 years has divided locals and visitors.

Cirencester Park has been run by the Bathurst family since 1695. It is introducing the new system on Friday.

But one resident told the BBC that the charges are an "infringement on my freedom" to walk in the countryside.

Lord Bathurst said the way the park is currently run comes "at a cost rather than any form of revenue".

Residents living near the park can pay a £10 deposit for an annual entry pass. Visitors will be charged a £30 annual fee, or they can purchase day passes at £4 for adults and £2 for children.

A public meeting to discuss the changes will be held later at Ashcroft Church and Centre, in Cirencester at 18:00 GMT.

The passes will grant access to the park via automatic gates

Juliette Morton said she grew up by the "the big park", as she called it as a child.

"It was my back garden essentially and where I spent my holidays, my weekends, it's where I grew up, so that's why I'm so invested."

She added that having access blocked to the park is like losing a "heartfelt connection" to a "really old friend".

"We're living in a cost of living crisis and for many people sparing that money is going to be impossible, so their access to the park is going to be barred and I think that's wrong," she added.

Lord Bathurst said that the costs of maintenance have increased, and the restoration work that they are doing for conservation, "all builds up".

Lord Bathurst said the way the park is currently run comes "at a cost rather than any form of revenue"

"There is a need for some help," he said.

Lord Bathurst said the fee will also pay for a guided walks around the park to inform visitors of its history, the landscape, and the natural capital.

Community Passes are available to all Gloucestershire residents with GL7 postcodes, alongside the villages of Edgworth, Frampton Mansell, Ashton Keynes and Latton.

Lord Bathurst said that if residents move away from the area, their deposit will be returned.

But local resident, David Watts, said he is "very upset and disappointed, as are many in the community".

Bathurst Estate, in Cirencester, has been free to enter since 1695

"We've been able to walk on this land for over 300 years, freely, and for us it's not just an entry to a park. This feels like an infringement on my freedom to walk in the countryside".

Mr Watts added that tax payers have "already paid" for use of the land because of the millions in subsidies the family has received, along with other tax benefits.

However, Julie, who lives nearby and uses the park multiple times a day, said: "I think we've been very lucky and very privileged to get the use of this park until now.

"At the end of the day, they have to keep it in good order and they have people to pay.

"It's a small price to pay to continue to use it and for them to continue to keep it so beautiful."

The passes can be used to gain access to Cirencester Park at four automated pedestrian gates: Cecily Hill, Windsor Walk, Barton Lane and by Cirencester Park Caravan and Motorhome Club.