Two of the English National Parks have been in the media spotlight in the last week as the economic downturn begins to affect them in quite different ways.
Walkers exploring Dovedale in the Peak District National Park
First to the Peak District, where the National Park Authority is consulting on ways in which the public toilets at the visitor hot spot of Dovedale might be kept open – at £17,000 per annum the loos don’t come cheap, especially in this time of budget squeeze. Dovedale has captured the hearts of many with its dramatic limestone ravine, accessible riverside paths and famous stepping stones (this lovely short film of Dovedale is well worth a look). But its many thousands of visitors expect and need basic infrastructure – a view, a loo and a brew.
A mobile information hut in Dovedale - could loos be wheeled in too?
Next to the North York Moors National Park where falling visitor numbers have compounded the Park’s financial woes. Visitor numbers to the National Park have fallen by about 10 per cent during the peak summer period, presumably as the credit crunch starts to bite on people’s leisure spending. Car parking fees have also declined and sales at visitor centres are down.
While political and media attention is understandably focused on the financial crisis in other European countries, Mr Osborne and his fellow Cabinet members would be wise to keep half an eye on what is happening on their own doorsteps. Closing toilets and falling visitor numbers may not be immediate headline grabbers, but they are early warning signs of tough times ahead for people living within National Parks and those entrusted to look after these special places.
The stepping stones at Dovedale are a must do for all the family
NYMNPA are their own worst enemies. Until this year we had manned car parks with sensible parking fees. In their wisdom, despite protests from locals and concerns expressed by parish councils the Park installed solar powered pay and display meters with substantially increased parking fees. Yes, visitor numbers are down but other car parks are full and the residents are fed up of not being able to park outside our own houses because the car park is “too expensive for a short stop but it’s free on the commons”. There have also been a few attempts to break into the machines – costly damages to repair.
We would like to point out that there’s actually been no increase in the charge for short stay at car parks in the North York Moors. This remains at £2.20 for up to two hours. Residents’ passes and charges for coaches have also been frozen as has the price for any visitors wishing to buy an annual parking pass for a particular car park. The only increase has been for those people wanting to park for more than two hours which is now £4. We have also introduced charges at Saltergate car park (£1 for short stay and £2 for long stay) which was previously free.
The National Park Authority is having to cut over a third of its expenditure over the next three to four years. The minimal increase in charges will help us maintain facilities at our car parks such as free public toilets and visitor centres as well as contributing to the upkeep of paths and bridleways, providing grants to farmers and communities and carrying out conservation projects. Our charges are very much in line with those of most other National Parks and local authorities.