Surely council should supervise West Park tea rooms
Time is running out!
There are only a few days left to visit the Victorian chalet tea-rooms at the West Park, Wolverhampton.
In 1986 the West Park was put on the English Heritage National Register of parks and gardens of special historic interest with Wolverhampton council promoting a campaign of restoration, which was funded by £2.1 million of Heritage Lottery Funding.
The Grade II bandstand cost £70,000 to restore and in 2006 the chalet tea-rooms opened to welcome visitors to the park, adults, children and grandchildren whatever the weather.
The tea rooms have supported visitors, walking groups, charity runs, match day supporters, patients and visitors to the West Park Rehabilitation Unit and Wolverhampton Festivals.
Vandalism and anti-social behaviour has been an issue at the park from the 1970s and if the shutters go up at the tea-rooms in February there is a danger that original Victorian fixtures and fittings will be damaged forever, the Wolverhampton council document refers to the original Minton wall and floor tiles.
Surely Wolverhampton council has a responsibility to supervise this public facility in our local authority venue.
The alternative is to escalate unrestricted access to the park by mobile food outlets which would change the atmosphere of our very Victorian Park.
Council officials may like to refer to their own document on www.wolverhampton.gov.uk for the responsibility they have for the preservation of this valuable Wolverhampton asset and historic landmark.
A Bowden
Wolverhampton
