DOZENS of residents gathered at Lydiard Park to have their say on the future of the historic attraction.

In September, Swindon Borough Council announced it was planning to lease out both the park and house to help reduce an annual £450,000 subsidy.

However, there was a strong reaction to the proposals, with many concerned it would lead to a reduced access.

Wednesday’s event was the first chance for members of the public to have their say and many turned up to speak with council officers about the plans.

Among them was Richard Hailstone of Haydon Wick, who feels the subsidy for the park could be matched by introducing a small parking charge.

He said: “I am concerned the council is going to hand control over to an outside bidder. The deficit is just under half a million, which is quite modest in terms of the overall budget for the council.

“This could be covered by a small parking charge so Lydiard would not need to be leased out. Lydiard is currently paid for by Swindon tax-payers but used by others from outside the borough.

“A parking charge would be a fair way of covering the cost. But I think although this is a public information event, I think the council has already made their mind up.”

The event was held on the same day the campaign group Friends of Lydiard announced what it is calling a set of red lines – conditions it doesn’t want breached during any lease.

Mike Bowden, of the group, said: “A new partner is being sought to run Lydiard House and Park and while we appreciate the severe financial constraints that all local authorities face, the trustees of the Friends are opposed to any arrangement that would cause harm or loss to the significance and historical importance of Lydiard House and Park as well as any situation that involves the closure or a reduction in free access to the Park and grounds by the general public.”

The group wants any deal to make sure the on-going maintenance of the park and repairs to the house are kept up while it is opposed to any deal which leads to the selling-off of any artefacts within Lydiard.

Councillor Garry Perkins (Con, Haydon Wick), the cabinet member responsible for Lydiard, said: “I’m pleased to see so many people here. Almost everyone I have spoken to so far understands the financial situation we are under.

“We can’t keep paying out this level and people know that but this is not just about getting rid of the subsidy. It is about getting investment for Lydiard so it can survive for future generations.

“We are not going to agree to anything which damages the heritage, like sticking a great hotel in the middle of the park, but we are looking at options which could enhance the park.”

A second public engagement event is being held at the Lydiard visitor centre on Sunday.