Lady Bathurst has distanced herself from controversial plans to fit automatic gate closers and charge tourists for access to Cirencester Park.
She said it’s “nothing to do with me – I’m useless, you might as well ask the cat” with regards to the plans which have led to dozens of complaints from local residents.
The Bathurst Estate has asked Cotswold District Council for permission to fit the gate closers, electric keeps and keypads to existing pedestrian gates at Cecily Hill, The Old Kennels, Windsor Walk, and Barton Lane.
They say access to the park will remain free for Cirencester residents but they expect to off-set the rising costs of improving the car park and visitor centre onto visitors who come from elsewhere.
The automation of the existing pedestrian gates would remove the need for staff to physically unlock and lock the gates each day.
And the estate says this will allow them to focus on the upkeep of the park and preventing damage and littering.
But the proposals have not been popular with many residents in the Cotswolds market town.
One objector, Jane Tully, said it would be sad that the wonderful park would not be available for a spontaneous visit.
“The increased footfall has been brought about through Covid,” she said.
“But the Bathurst estate has added to the footfall due to the plastic figures exhibited within the park which is a profit-making scheme combined.
“The Bathurst have commercialised the park themselves and have therefore increased footfall. A huge loss for us all.”
Another objector, Madeleine Sprott, said the plans would be terrible for the community as it is a safe and lovely place for the public who cannot afford gym memberships to exercise.
However, some residents said the extra income would help to support and maintain the park for future use.
In a Facebook post, Lady Bathurst said she was uncomfortable with the growing belief that it was all her doing.
She said it had led to some of the worst online bullying against her that she’s ever experienced.
“These access changes were not my idea, nor were they, my decision,” she said.
“If truth be told, they were also not my choice- but the decision was made and as I have no say in the management of the estate, there was nothing I could do.
“The abuse over the last few days has been personal, extremely painful and deeply upsetting.
“The Bathurst Estate is the author of the initiative and I do not want to have the blame laid at my door.”
District planners are expected to consider the proposals by June 3, 2021.
