Concern over repair work at glasshouses

Concern over repair work at glasshouses

QUESTIONS have been raised after the Forest Service began work on a £130,000 restoration of the historic glasshouses in Castlewellan’s Annesley Gardens.

The condition of the glasshouses, part of the internationally important arboretum in the Forest Park, has become the focus for a major campaign aimed at restoring and conserving the Annesley Gardens.

Last week contractors appointed by the Forest Service began work on a restoration of the glasshouses which had become so dilapidated they had been closed to the public for many years.

However, campaigners who have been working towards a co-ordinated approach to restoring the gardens as part of an overall strategy for the development of forest parks in the Mourne area, were taken by surprise by the Forest Service decision.

Down Council has taken the lead role in a new partnership which is planning a multi-million pound strategy for the Mournes forests which will concentrate on Castlewellan, Tollymore and Rostrevor forests.

Once the strategy has been drawn up it is planned to seek major funding from organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A key plank of the plan for Castlewellan Forest was the refurbishment of the Annesley Gardens which have the potential to be a major tourist attraction for the district.

It is understood the Forest Service does not have a future plan for the glasshouses beyond the restoration project leading campaigners to question why they embarked on the project before the overall development strategy has been completed.

It is also understood that officials from the Heritage Lottery Fund had previously warned that any work carried out on the Annesley Gardens before a strategy has been drawn up could put grant aid at risk.

Down councillor Patrick Clarke believes the Forest Service could be putting at risk future funding for the Mournes forest strategy and is also questioning what he believes is an inadequate sum being spent on the 130 year-old glasshouses.

“I am somewhat very concerned at the amount of limited funding that is being spent on repairing the historic glasshouses at Castlewellan Forest Park which is a key tourism jewel for Down District,” he said.

“I am in receipt of documents which over ten years ago estimated refurbishment of the glasshouses at over £250,000 pounds, yet the planned works presently is only £130,000.”

“To properly complete refurbishment of the glasshouses including a heating system, drainage, specialist glazing and hardwood including treatment would from the documents that I am in receipt off and have viewed be well over if not nearly double the estimated £130,000.”

“It is simply a sticking plaster that is being applied by Forest Service at the restoration of the glasshouses at Castlewellan Forest Park by spending only £130,000. “

“There is also the question of jeopardising any other major grant funding particularly considering that no detailed plan has yet been completed.”

Mr. Clarke has written to Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill asked for clarification on the work being carried out on the glasshouses and if specialists organisations are involved in the work.