Commitment and passion are needed for gardens upgrade

SIR, — There is I believe a superb and a very golden opportunity to promote the Arboretum, walled garden and indeed the history surrounding the Annesley family at Castlewellan Forest Park. Such a vision needs to be fully and truly grasped for future generations to enjoy and share such a natural and beautiful place falling into further decay.

I wish to fully support the voluntary and very committed efforts of all individuals and groups associated with the restoration of the Arboretum and walled garden at Castlewellan Forest Park. Their efforts have without question helped to abate further decline of a natural place of international and world beauty.

However, such a tourist attraction as Castlewellan Forest Park needs and rightly deserves to have the full backing of all genuine interested parties who truly believe that it will act as a catalyst for further tourism development and economic regeneration.

There is the huge and major potential for significant pubic grant funding as well as private sector finance to project Castlewellan Forest Park to be a significant and major tourism attraction provided the vision and plans mapped ahead are not being misrepresented for vested reasons.

That is why I as a political representative would urge all concerned regarding the Arboretum, to have a shared vision and strategy for the future regeneration and economic development of a potential tourism gem.

Forward thinking is the only way ahead regarding how to progress with the restoration of the Arboretum and walled garden as well as Castlewellan Forest Park.

Such a responsibility has to be given to people who can invigorate transform and deliver for the right reasons their passion regarding the future of the Arboretum, walled garden at Castlewellan Forest Park.

I therefore urge all concerned to allow the the Arboretum, walled garden and the history of the Annesley family and Castlewellan Forest Park to become a reality.

Yours etc.,

CLLR. PATRICK CLARKE,

Dundrum.