Residents and business owners unite against the proposed closure of Dartmoor’s Visitor Centre, fearing economic and social impacts.
Princetown: Folks in Princetown are really upset about the plan to close the Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre. Business owners, residents, and local leaders are coming together to fight this.
They braved some pretty rough weather to meet at the Prince of Wales Public House. The Princetown Business Network set it up to make sure everyone’s voice is heard and to look for other options instead of shutting down the centre.
Even with heavy snowfall, 22 people showed up, and many others sent their support. There were also some important local politicians there, including members from the parish and West Devon Council. They’re planning to speak at the next Dartmoor National Park Authority meeting to share their worries and suggest solutions.
While the DNPA says they’re looking into options, locals feel they haven’t really been included in the conversation. It seems like the only discussions have been with the Duchy of Cornwall, who owns the property.
Caroline Wain, who runs a B&B, expressed her frustration. She pointed out that the DNPA has a duty to support local communities and that closing the centre without talking to them is just wrong.
During the meeting, people highlighted how the Duchy of Cornwall recognizes the centre’s importance, given they only charge a tiny rent. They even came up with four potential partners who could help run the place, but those groups haven’t been contacted yet.
The community is eager to pitch in and volunteer to keep the visitor centre running, showing just how much they care about it.
This centre is the biggest of three in the Dartmoor area and is the only one that can handle large school groups. It’s a key resource for education.
According to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, the DNPA is supposed to promote understanding and enjoyment of the parks. The visitor centre plays a big role in that, helping both education and the local economy.
Helen Northcott, a local resident, emphasized how crucial the centre is for educational purposes, especially for school groups. She urged the DNPA to recognize their responsibilities and work with the community for a solution.
For Princetown, which is one of the more deprived areas on Dartmoor, the centre is a lifeline. Losing it would hurt local businesses and could even push some to relocate, making things worse for the community.
Nikki Hirst from the Ramblers’ Rest shared her concerns about the negative impact of closing the centre. She believes it’s vital for the village and that the DNPA is overlooking its broader value.
The visitor centre has also been a hub for local artists, hosting various exhibitions. Nick Bennet, a local sculptor, mentioned how important it is for the art scene in the area.
Despite financial issues, the DNPA’s own data shows that tourism is growing. A recent survey indicated a 30% increase in visitors to the centres this year.
At the meeting, attendees suggested exploring partnerships, getting more volunteers involved, and looking for grants. They also questioned whether the DNPA had consulted educational groups about the centre.
The timing of the closure proposal, right before the tourist season, has raised eyebrows. With the lease running until March 2026, the community believes there’s still time to find a better solution.
Rory Atton from Dewerstone urged the DNPA to rethink their decision and engage with the community properly. They should have given more notice to prepare for the busy season.
The community is calling on the DNPA to reconsider and have an open conversation to find a solution that works for everyone.
A spokesperson for the DNPA acknowledged the community’s concerns and mentioned that the closure proposal will be discussed at a meeting on January 10th. They’ll look at the financial context and consider three options before making a decision, with the meeting being open to the public.
