AS it’s hard to see any benefits for the people of Knutsford, possibly it’s time to take a closer look at Tatton Park and consider its place in both East Cheshire and Knutsford. Despite 800,000 visitors each year, a considerable annual financial drain is placed on taxpayers to maintain the historic buildings and parkland.

Putting up the charges is not an option as the high cost of parking and charges to visit the various attractions has already led visitors to complain. Yet the council is still obliged to find ways to lessen the burden on taxpayers by putting on more and more attractions despite the strain this puts on the local infrastructure.

The proposed BeWILDerwood project will not only exacerbate already existing problems, but add insult to injury as local residents are being asked to fund what is essentially an intrusive amusement park on a site known for its history and tranquillity.

Surely the proposer, who himself lives in a listed building, must appreciate that the venture is hardly in keeping with Tatton Park which is totally unsuitable for such exploitation.

If the council has money to spare it should spend it on better social care, and review the state of the ‘repaired’ roads and pavements in the borough which are still full of potholes.

The net beneficiary of keeping the park open seems to be the National Trust.

Perhaps it’s now time to consider handing back to them the responsibility for running Tatton Park?

Taxpayers would be better off, and as it’s not in keeping with the ethos of the National Trust it is unlikely to fund ventures such as BeWILDerwood.

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