TOWN leaders want to ensure local views on the future of Castle Park are not lost in reorganisation of local government in Cheshire.
The historic mansion and surrounding parkland is held in trust and managed by Vale Royal Borough Council – but the town council fears a new authority with less local representation could take control.
Town and Vale Royal Borough Councillor Andrew Dawson, who suggested the town council should consider becoming co-trustees, said: “It could end up being run from Chester and we need to make sure Frodsham people maintain a very strong voice on this issue.”
He said: “It could be a good use of town council money to make a contribution to the Castle Park charity and ask the borough council if they would have us as co-trustees.”
Town councillors agreed to form a working party to consider the matter fully, including the size of any contribution.
Councillor Tony Hinkins chairs the town council’s Friends of Castle Park sub-committee.
He said: “We currently work very closely with trustees but we would like to have a seat at their table.”
Town and Vale Royal Councillor Brian Lloyd said: “There is some merit in the idea, but there is no doubt they will want us to come to the table with some money as Castle Park is an expensive facility.”
He added: “I am very proud of Castle Park and would like to make sure people of Frodsham have a say because we could end up with far fewer elected representatives and people from well outside the area deciding its future.”
