PARK IT UP
‘So appalling’ cry locals as much-loved 329-year-old park in England introduces new entry fee for the first time ever
The park has been free for more than three centuries
A BEAUTIFUL park that opened more than 300 years ago in the UK has introduced brand new entry fees for the first time - and locals have slammed the decision.
Cirencester Park was first created back in 1695, having been run by the Bathurst family for centuries.
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Spread across thousands of acres, the Grade I listed area was created by the 1st Earl Bathurst along with Alexander Pope in the 18th century.
But once free to visit, there are now new fees in place for anyone wanting to access the park.
Visitors will have to pay £4 for a day ticket, of an annual pass for £30.
Locals will pay a £10 deposit to gain free access, although will need to buy a photo-card.
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Residents of the nearby area have slammed the new fees.
Local David Watts told the Guardian he was "very upset and disappointed, saying: "For many of us, Cecily Hill is not just an entrance to the park but a gateway to thousands of acres of English countryside which have been free to roam for centuries.”
Another said: "Taxpayers have been paying for the upkeep of that park for centuries. It’s ours already. I’m quite cross about it.”
Paul Hodgkinson, the cabinet member for health, leisure and culture at Cotswold District Council agreed: "This is not right, I am appalled by it quite honestly."
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Lord Bathurst, who owns the park, previously said the new fees were due to the cost of maintenance and restoration work.
He previously told the BBC: "Our point is that the park remains open to the people of Cirencester for a £10 deposit for the foreseeable future.
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"They will still be able to get access into the park."
Inside are both dog-walking routes and walking paths, as well as horse-riding areas.
Guests can take their own picnics or buy snacks and drinks at both the Bean in the Park cafe and the Roots + Seeds Restaurant and Cafe.
Play areas, dog washing facilities and art features are also scattered throughout the park.
Annual events include horse trials and The Cotswold Show and Food Festival in the summer.
Tourists have raved about the park too, with one calling it a "jewel in the crown of Cirencester".
In the mean time, there are lots of beautiful parks in the UK which are still free to visit.
An award-winning park in London has been compared to abroad, with many saying it feels like something in Asia.
The free Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, London, opened in 1991 as a gift from the former Japanese capital.
The most popular area in the park are the cherry blossoms although you may also spot some peacocks.
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Another park in London is said to have inspired Peter Pan - and you can even feed parakeets.
And here's a secret woodland in the middle of London you won't have heard of - and it's only open two hours a week.
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