CONCERNS have been raised about proposed ticket price increases at Lydiard Park, which could come into effect from next year.

In the draft budget, it is proposed that a family ticket for entry to the house and gardens, for two adults and two children, will rise by 50 per cent from £12 to £18.

A child’s ticket could rise by 52 per cent to £3.50 while senior ticket prices will go up to £6 from £4.20, a rise of more than 42 per cent.

Council chiefs say the prices still represent good value for money and the extra cash will be invested back into the house and gardens, but a local group is worried the large rise will put off people from visiting.

Mike Bowden, the Chairman of Friends of Lydiard Park, said: “My big hope is that these rises have been properly looked at. There is a risk that if the rise is too high it will put people off coming so there will not be any extra income.

“I assume that we all want the same thing and that is for Lydiard to thrive, but for that to happen we need people to visit the park.

“I am a bit disappointed we have not been consulted on these rises. There is no divine right for us to be consulted but this is the first we have heard of them.”

It is also being proposed to introduce a season ticket, as well as a variety of family tickets for differing numbers of adults and children. The price of an adult season ticket would be £13, the equivalent of two adult visits.

“We welcome the introduction of season tickets,” said Mike. “If there is someone who lives locally who has an interest in the park then it will be great.

“Lydiard Park should be a key tourist destination in the area and I just hope these price rises do not put people off.”

As it stands the price rises have not been confirmed as the budget is only in draft form. Councillor Garry Perkins (Con, Haydon Wick), the cabinet member for economy, said the price rise is fair.

He said: “When you compare Lydiard with other destinations it still represents good value for money. Although the percentage increases are quite big they are quite small in monetary terms.

“We know Lydiard needs some investment and this extra money will be put straight back into the park.”