VISITORS to Warrington's showpiece Walton Hall Gardens this summer will be deprived of popular facilities while the redevelopment of the site as a luxury hotel complex is being considered.
The canal side cafe and heritage centre closed in March and at present there are no plans to re-open them.
It is believed the historic buildings will be converted into bedrooms and a pub if the hotel proposals go-ahead.
Borough council leader Ian Marks confirmed closure of the facilities.
But he denied allegations by campaigners fighting to keep the hall and gardens open to the public that this was because of a demand by hotel chain Contessa to have "vacant possession" of the site before going ahead with the deal.
Coun Marks was unable to say why the facilities had been closed in March, but he insisted that any future development of the site would mean better facilities.
He said there would be cafe facilities on site in the future and that items from the heritage centre would be displayed elsewhere.
"There will be reduced facilities on site this year, but it is nothing to do with Contessa."
Coun Marks said that no deal had been made with Contessa, but confirmed that they were the leading candidate for the site.
Campaigners claim representatives of the hotel chain had been measuring up rooms at the hall, but Coun Marks said nothing was finalised.
"We are talking to this company, but we will only do a deal if we are absolutely happy that the public will benefit," he said.
Nearly 7,000 people have joined a Facebook campaign to "save Walton Hall and Gardens" and more than 1,700 have signed an on-line petition organised by the Friends of Walton Gardens.
Campaigners claim the plans could cut public access to the grounds by 50 per cent.
Residents, councillors, the Friends of Walton Hall action group and people from throughout the town and beyond have joined the battle.
Malcolm Eldridge, a Friends committee member and chairman of Higher Walton Village Forum, said people have used the park for generations and appreciate the variety of attractions.
He complained the group had not been involved in a promised consultation about plans by Contessa to invest £20 million to create a luxury hotel suitable for weddings and conferences.
But Coun Marks said the council's executive board would select a preferred partner around June, and widespread consultation would follow. Work could start in spring next year - but only if the council was satisfied the proposals would be in the interests of local people.