Fears that increased charges at attraction could deter visitors

Leeds City Council is currently consulting on its proposals to make improvements to Lotherton Hall and its surrounding estate in a move that could see some people having to pay more.

Last night one local resident, who did not wish to be named said of Lotherton: “It was gifted to the people of Leeds for open access to the people of Leeds.

“Leeds City Council have no businesses making it into a countrified theme park.”

She said she accepted people had to pay for car parking and to visit the house but is annoyed the changes mean people can no longer take a stroll around the grounds without paying a fee.

The council said its proposals to charge a £6 rate for adults, £2.50 rate for children and £15 for a family, which would include car parking and attractions, would simplify the pricing structure. At present adults pay £3.30, children £1.20 and families £6.50 to visit the house, with car parking currently charged at £3.70.

Lotherton was owned by the Gasgoigne family until Sir Alvary and Lady Gasgoigne gave the hall and estate to the City of Leeds in 1968.

Last night the authority said its wide-ranging proposals also included increasing opening hours, improvements to the gardens, doubling the amount of estate to be open to the public.

Car parking will be improved and a new route created at the Edwardian country house and grounds in Aberford near Leeds.

Season-ticket holders, local parish councils and other community groups are also being consulted.

Under the plans, a series of improvements would take place beginning later this year which would result in the hall being open on Mondays as well as in January and February when it is currently closed.

The current parking system would be revamped to make the house and estate more accessible and the area of the estate currently open to the public would be doubled.

The plans call for restoration work to be carried out on the Edwardian gardens, the Japanese rockery and the walled gardens while themed walks for visitors would be introduced with grass ‘maze style’ paths and improved picnic and play areas.

The current exit road would also be moved, with the current entrance road being widened to allow for two-way traffic flow which council bosses say will make the site safer.

Along with the proposed changes, a new simplified pricing structure would also be introduced meaning visitors would only pay once to access all of the facilities as well as car parking.

Season-tickets would remain for regular users offering access for a 12-month period.

Season tickets would be available for £18 for adults and £45 for a family.

Leeds City Council executive member for leisure Coun Adam Ogilvie said last night: “We have been looking at ways of making Lotherton Hall a more rounded visitor attraction to appeal to visitors who will be keen to see everything it has to offer – the house, the bird garden and the wonderful grounds.

“These improvements would help us raise the standards of Lotherton Hall as a visitor experience but the idea of this consultation is for as many people as possible to tell us what they think so we look forward to hearing people’s views.”

More information on the changes at Lotherton Hall can be found at the website www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall

Public talks are taking place until the end of July, with drop-in consultation events to be held at the hall as well as display boards and comment cards, information in libraries and one-stop centres, and on the Lotherton Hall website and the council’s museums and galleries website at www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries