CAMPAIGNERS have pledged to fight redevelopment of Warrington's Walton Hall and Gardens as a luxury hotel complex - a move they claim could drastically cut public access to the grounds.
More than 5,400 people have joined a Facebook campaign and more than 1,400 an on-line petition to "Save Walton Gardens".
The campaigners say the scheme, a partnership between the borough council and a private development, could cut public access to the "jewel in Warrington's Crown" by 50 per cent.
Residents, councillors, the Friends of Walton Hall action group and people from throughout the town and beyond, area are determined to fight any loss of amenity.
Malcolm Eldrige, a Friends of Walton Hall committee member and chairman of Higher Walton Village Forum, said: "People come from miles around to visit the park. People have used it for generations and appreciate the variety of attractions.
"It is run very well and there is no vandalism. Many people believe it is the best place around for a relaxed, family day out.
"This is not a plan to save the estate for the public. It is a plan to relieve Warrington of its neglected duty to preserve a precious resource. The price is too high."
Mr Eldridge said the borough council had not consulted the Friends about the development.
The Friends' website claims the council is poised to strike a deal with luxury hotels group Contessa, who have hotels on the Wirral and in Lancashire, who are ready to invest £20 million to create a luxury hotel suitable for weddings and conferences.
But Coun Ian Marks, (pictured) leader of the borough council, strongly denied any deal had been struck.
He said: "We want to make Walton Hall and Gardens better - with more public access, not less.
"The council hasn't got the money to do the work itself so we need partners. But no deal will be struck if it means any loss of public access to the hall and grounds. It may be that some areas will be to be closed while weddings are in progress, but that has always been the case. It will not be a significant area.
"We know how important it is that public access is maintained."
Mr Eldridge said: "Our information is that the deal will consist of a 125 year lease of the buildings and a substantial proportion of the current gardens. Areas that the public currently enjoy for free will be no longer available to them. "
In exchange, Contessa would preserve existing buildings and rebuild the hall on its original footprint.
Although the conservatory would be saved it would not be freely open to the public and the Heritage Yard and all its facilities would be converted to a pub and hotel rooms.
"Already many of the park rangers, staff and management have been made redundant and the coffee shop and heritage centre have been closed. All the rooms have been measured up and the interior designers are making plans. This is dangerously looking like a fait accompli."
Details of the campaign are at www.savewaltongardens.co.uk
It was in 2008 that the council agreed to explore the idea of introducing commercial partners to preserve the site for future generations.
Several buildings are in a poor condition - especially the conservatory and equestrian hall.
Coun Marks said the council's executive board would select a preferred partner around June. There would then be widespread public consultation, including with the Friends of Walton Hall.
A planning application could be expected in the Autumn, including public participation. Work on refurbishment of the hall could start in the spring of next year.
He added: "We want to improve Walton Hall and Gardens and make it better for the people of Warrington. We won't be a party to any proposal that would result in any significant loss of access."
*A lengthy debate on the issue is currently on the warrington-worldwide Readers' Forum.
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