Councillor joins criticism of Trust over Murlough proposal

Councillor joins criticism of Trust over Murlough proposal

30 May 2012

A NEWCASTLE councillor is seeking an urgent meeting with the National Trust over its plans to axe a special entry pass to Murlough Nature Reserve.

The Trust has decided to do away with the £26 a year pass, which has become known locally as the Residents Pass, and instead ask holders to take out National Trust membership at a cost of £53.

The decision brings to an end a special relationship which has existed between the Trust and Dundrum villagers for over 50 years. There are over 200 passes the majority of which are held by Dundrum residents, including senior citizens.

Alliance councillor Patrick Clarke says the lack of consultation by the National Trust with local Dundrum villager pass holders is most unreasonable and very short sighted.

“Already a wooden cabin has been placed at the security entrance gate to Murlough showing the proposed charges so the National Trust is obviously intent on proceeding with the new charges irrespective of local opinion and concern to the decision,” said Mr. Clarke.

“The matter was also brought to my attention by the Dundrum Village Association who voiced to me their dissatisfaction of how the National Trust is penalising car owners by virtually doubling the cost of a yearly pass into the car parks at Murlough Nature Reserve,” he added.

Mr. Clarke said there is particular concern about the number of senior citizens who hold residents’ passes and who would not be able to walk from Keel Point into the reserve.

“No consideration has been given whatsoever by the National Trust to any special concessions for the villagers and senior citizens,” he said.

“I believe that this new charge by the National Trust will deter many long standing villagers who have purchased the resident’s pass annually to access the car parks at Murlough Nature Reserve and who have enjoyed walking the beautiful dune landscape from purchasing National Trust membership on a point of principal.

“I have also requested an urgent meeting with the National Trust Property Manager for Murlough Barbara Muhly to outline my serious concerns at the proposed charge of over £50 to take up full National Trust membership plus additional charges for a special key which allows people access through an electronic gate onto the reserve car parks.”

A statement from the Trust has confirmed that the special  key for the Keel Point gate will be issued to people provided they take out National Trust membership.

During the winter months, when the gates are not manned, the reserve at Keel Point will be only accessible to those with the key, as currently exists.

“To help the National Trust to continue with essential, ongoing conservation work at Murlough Nature Reserve and to help with future upgrading of facilities at the site it is necessary to introduce a £3.50 pay per entry car park charge at Keel Point,” said the statement.

“This was activated in March 2012 and is consistent with the car park charge at the main visitor car park. We must stress that the charge is for car parking only. All visitors who arrive on foot will continue to enjoy free access to the entire reserve.

“We plan to meet with the current fob holders and community representatives as we draw closer to the end of the fob scheme,” said the statement.