Anger among the dunes

Anger among the dunes

23 May 2012

THE National Trust has caused anger in Dundrum over plans to end a decades-old special relationship with villagers.

The Trust is planning to axe the ‘residents’ pass’ which allows people access to the reserve car parks for just £26 a year. There are over 200 passes, the majority of which are held by Dundrum residents.

Instead, the Trust wants pass holders to take up full National Trust membership at a cost of over £50 and it is believed there would be an additional charge for a special key which allows people access through an electronic gate onto the reserve’s north point.

The decision brings to an end a special relationship which has existed between the Trust and Dundrum villagers since the 1960s. The Trust allowed villagers free access to the reserve after it was set up in 1967 and when damage was caused by travellers in the late 1990s and gates were erected, the residents’ pass came into existence to maintain the relationship.

However, it is believed the Trust is keen to maximise income from the estate and has decided to do away with the special pass in the hope that holders will take out National Trust membership.

But the decision, which has yet to be formally announced by the Trust, has prompted a backlash from villagers who have been signing a petition organised by local shop keeper and keen Murlough walker, Pam Trohear.

Over 70 people have so far signed the petition and Pam says there is considerable concern within the village about the Trust’s plans and the lack of consultation with local residents.

“People are quite irate about the way the Trust has gone about this,” she said. “The Trust makes a considerable amount of money each year from these passes which they are in danger of losing because anyone I have talked to will not take out National Trust membership on a point of principle.

“Many of the people who drive into the reserve, particularly to the north point, are pensioners and they will not be offered any discounts on the full cost of Trust membership.

“This is a money making scheme which is doing enormous damage to the Trust reputation in Dundrum,” she added.

Another local pass holder said the Trust is behaving like an “absentee landlord.”

“The only time we see someone from the Trust these days is when they turn up at weekends to collect money at the gate. No-one is told anything about the management of the reserve, how the money is spent or the strategies for improving this beautiful place. It all seems to be about how much money they can squeeze out of us,” said the walker who asked not to be named.

It is understood that Dundrum Village Committee is planning to raise the matter with the National Trust.

The National Trust was asked to comment on the residents’ pass issue but at the time of going to press nothing had been received.