Dartmoor petition - Dartmoor Letterboxing Archive

whoisthechallenger

2015-03-14 15:29:42

I note a new online petition, addressed to Devon County Council:

Please protect Dartmoor National Park from transfer to central government for privatisation & exploitation.

We have been privileged to use & appreciate the unspoiled beauty of Dartmoor. We would like our children & future generations to be able to experience the free exploration of this Public Owned National Park & the communities that live in the area.

Link to petition: ~~[url=~~https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-dartmoor-national-park][url]https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-dartmoor-national-park

Devon County Council reviewed and supported the government's Infrastructure Bill last year, whch became law last month, supported by all political parties. The petition suggests that deliberate underfunding the national park will result in control returning to Westminster. Further planned Tory legislation will potentially lead to privatisation and possible exploitation of the Park.

Inevitable? Exageration? Left-wing scare-mongering?

I'll let you decide, but as budgets are likely to be squeezed further, would you be prepared to pay a National Park entry fee? Or accept widespread car park charging? Would it be enough to put you off Letterboxing?

Nik - KOTM

2015-03-15 07:36:06

Good post, you can also use this link too for all the national parks

~~[url=~~http://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/campaigns/42][url]http://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/campaigns/42

whoisthechallenger

2015-03-15 19:24:32

I've signed both petitions. It only takes a minute.

BBC1's Countryfile had interesting and relevant reports on this evening on National Park funding. An example given was of the Peak District, who's annual budget is similar to that of just one secondary school, and about 20% more than Dartmoor National Park gets.

A campaigner interviewed warned that constant budget cuts will lead to National Park Authorities reduced to being nothing more than planning authorities, forced to sell and rent out Park property to pay their way.

it certainly makes you think.

Sowerby Streaker

2015-03-16 08:45:26

I've signed - we all just have to try our best to protect Dartmoor and the other National Parks for generations to come.

Kenton Kestrel

2015-03-16 14:45:38

And me.

Many thanks for bringing this to our attention.

smartieb

2015-03-16 15:58:28

just signed both as well so lets hope someone listens.

In terms of original post, if car parking was reasonable then would happily pay / donate. Think main car park at postbridge was couple quid donation? last time i went.

Wouldnt like to see a hourly rate - never know how long i am going to be!

More than happy to pay this for a day on the moor.

Only problem i could see is that potentially more and more people would end up just pulling on the verge and causing traffic choas - you only have to try to get to princetown from dousland when there is a bit of snow up there to see what problems this causes!

Duckpool

2015-03-20 12:56:11

Have also signed; it would be awful if this came to pass. Not sure how they could administer a parking charge as there are so many small parking areas; a season ticket or entry ticket to moor? Don't like the sound of it whatever!