Attraction's future ownership in doubt

4:23pm Thursday 6th March 2008

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The future of Aldenham Country Park has been thrown into doubt, after it was revealed borough and county council officials are in discussion over who should fund the popular attraction.

Hertsmere Borough Council leader Morris Bright told a full meeting of the authority last Wednesday that talks had taken place with Hertfordshire County Council, which currently runs the Dagger Lane park.A county council spokesman confirmed this week there had been discussions regarding a possible hand-over, but said no decision would be made for the foreseeable future.Aldenham Country Park is made up of 175 acres of woodland and is home to a farm for rare breed animals, a reservoir, a café and a children's play area.Mr Bright told the meeting: "The county council is considering divesting itself of the responsibility of the running of the park. "I have met with county officers to discuss their thoughts and plans."It has been suggested that Hertsmere may wish to work with the county council and take up the reins of running this favoured outdoor centre in the years ahead, but discussions are at an early stage."After the meeting, he said further investigations into the feasibility of the plan would be carried out, with the aim of reaching a conclusion by autumn."No decision will be taken without proper consultation with members of this council and having the full financial facts in front of us," he added."I would appreciate any initial thoughts from councillors as to whether or not the park could sit well within our portfolio of award-winning parks, being as it is the second most-visited council-run outdoor attraction in the county."But Labour councillor Di Hoeksma raised concerns the move might put the park under threat. She said: "That is a vast piece of land right in the middle of our community and I would hate to think anybody would try to get their hands on it and build on it."A county council spokesman said: "There are no plans for Hertsmere Borough Council to take on the management or responsibility of the park at this time. "However, the county council remains committed to continued partnership with the borough, which already has a place on the park's advisory board."