Save Castleton’s visitor centre and museum

Last weekend I signed the petition and joined in with the Castleton Historical Society’s campaign to save Castleton’s visitor’s centre and museum.

Visitor centres are the public face of the National Park. They play are vital role in providing information and advice to thousands of visitors each year. They help to make the Park accessible for all and to ensure it is enjoyed in a sustainable way.

The visitor centre and the museum are inextricably linked. The museum is a brilliant resource exploring the area’s rich history. They provide a focal point for the village and would be a huge loss to the local community as well as the many schools that visit each year.

I know our National Parks are under severe financial strain but we must save these precious resources. Our National Parks, including the Peak District, receive most of their money from the Government. The Tories have cut the money for our National Parks by about 40% in real terms over the last decade.

The Government recently announced a one off pay out for our National Parks. This will not be enough to guarantee the future of Castleton’s visitor’s centre and museum. This is yet more sticking plaster politics from the Government. Our National Parks need a sustainable long term future not one off handouts to try to avoid a crisis.

Please sign the petition because once they’re gone we may never get them back.