Why is Cirencester up in arms over new park charges?

A row has erupted in the heart of the Cotswolds over access to a private park estate which locals have walked in for free for hundreds of years.

The owners of Cirencester Park, the Bathursts, argue the money is needed to restore and maintain parts of the park.

But some locals are opposed to the fee arguing it restricts their freedom to walk in the countryside.

Cirencester Park has been open and free to the public for hundreds of years

Where and what is Cirencester Park?

Cirencester is known as the capital of the Cotswolds and is in Gloucestershire.

Cirencester Park is a historic private parkland and one of several large open spaces the town's residents enjoy - it is also the biggest.

The main entrance to the park is at the top of Cecily Hill and up until now walkers have been able to enjoy several marked routes through open park and woodlands,

Cirencester Park also includes a house on the site - Oakley Grove, known locally as The Mansion. Along one border of the park is largest yew tree in Britain. The park covers some 3,000 acres.Why is a town up in arms over new park charges?

Cirencester Park has been open to the public since 1695, so for 326 years.

What is happening?

The Bathurst family, which owns the park, has decided to charge for entry. That system comes into place on Friday 15 March.

Generations of families who have walked through the park will now have to pay to do that.

For people who have Cirencester postcodes - in the GL7 area - it is free. But, there is a catch - you have to pay for a £10 deposit for the card.

For those visiting Cirencester, there will be either a one-off cost or an annual charge if you want to visit more often.

But the charge has angered many in the town who have had unfettered access up until now.

The park is a popular walking location for people who live in the town

Why do people have to pay?

Lord Bathurst said the passes will support a restoration project at Cirencester Park.

"The physical and health benefits that people and their dogs get from the restorative powers of being in the natural environment of Cirencester Park is as important today as when the park was first established," he said.

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

"This year, we will continue our important conservation work, with Phase II of the Broad Avenue Restoration Project starting in the autumn.

"The introduction of passes supports these important projects as well as the effective maintenance of pathways, woodlands, grasslands and monuments so we can continue to protect and preserve the important heritage, natural capital and biodiversity within the park for all."

Why are some people angry?

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."

Many local residents have condemned the new charges

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.

Many share her view with a packed out meeting a few days before the fees came into place largely condemning the plans.

Cotswold District Council cabinet member Paul Hodgkinson, who was at the meeting, said the council's cabinet are against the proposals and think it is wrong people will be charged.

The council will be writing to the Bathurst Estate in an effort to get them to change their mind.

How much does it cost?

Residents in GL7 postcodes will pay a £10 deposit per household - up to six people can use that pass either as a family, or that pass can be used by an individual.

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

If you are from outside that area it is £4 for an adult, £2 for a child or between £6 and £10 for a family. Annual passes ranging in cost for £10 for a student up to £50 for a household are also available.

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.