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Ref: 398/07 23 October 2007
County Fears For The Future Of Tatton Park
Concerns for the future of Cheshire’s top visitor attraction were revealed today (Monday) by County Finance Chief Gretta Cousins.
Tatton Park, near Knutsford, is owned by the National Trust but financed and managed by Cheshire County Council under the terms of legally binding 99-year-old lease… with over 50 years still to run.
But the substantial obligations of the lease have not been properly factored into the case presented by the three councils advocating a split Cheshire.
Tatton is not only an important asset in cultural and leisure terms; it delivers a net output of £8.8m every year for the economy of the Cheshire and Warrington Sub Region.
One of the North West’s most visited heritage attractions - it draws 800,000 visitors a year - employs over 80 people and pumps vital cash into the local economy via contracts with local companies.
“It is a special place, a wonderful success story with a very efficient trading record - without which conservation and present £1m running costs would treble,“ said County Councillor Gretta Cousins Executive Member for Finance.
“The ‘irreducible cost’ of the lease is significant but the County Council successfully and substantially mitigates this through its efficient management of the estate and its strong economic performance. “
“But there is no evidence that the financial model for the two-unitary proposal has taken account of the lease obligations, applicable for the next half century.“
And she added : “Should the Government ignore all the warning signs about the grave risks attached to partitioning Cheshire, there is no apparent will to pick up the bill for Tatton - and that is extremely worrying. “
Cheshire’s Finance Chief believes that Tatton’s strategic position, the viability of its finances and its ability to deliver the lease obligations may be compromised by a two-unitary model.
“A combination of sound financial base, strategic leadership or local accountability are all factors essential to the continuing success of Tatton Park.“ said Cllr Cousins.
Both the operational costs of Tatton Park and its property maintenance costs have been fully accounted for by Cheshire County Council.
Cheshire has allowed for the joint vision held by the County Council and the National Trust “to conserve Tatton Park for the enjoyment of present and future generations” explained County Councillor Bert Grange, Chairman of the Tatton Park Management Panel.
“Sadly, the districts have not addressed fundamental issues regarding the residuary liability of the lease, its financial implications and the economic or cultural impact on the region.
“Nor, I believe, have they replied to National Trust concerns about the future of one of England’s great estates. “
“Our staff have been briefed about the situation and they fully realise the huge question mark surrounding the question of re-organisation. I know that without Cheshire County Council Tatton Park will never be the same again. “
Since 1958 - following the death of the last member of the Egerton family - Cheshire County Council have worked in partnership with the National Trust and the recently formed Tatton Park Trust to restore, maintain and develop the magnificent mansion and 2,000 acre estate.
Ends
IC/LJ
Note To Editors: For further information pleas contact County Councillor Cousins on 01928 733823 or County Councillor Grange on 01565 632651. |