Losehill Hall. Meeting will decide its fate

A campaigning body is urging national park members not to sell off an ‘incredibly special’ learning centre.

The Peak District National Park Authority will meet tomorrow to decide the fate of Losehill Hall near Castleton.

The authority meeting to consider the centre’s future was postponed earlier in the month due to snow. The national park plans to sell the hall or lease it to save an estimated £250,000 a year.

The Open Spaces Society will press authority members not to sell off the hall when it considers four tenders received.

OSS general secretary Kate Ashbrook said: “I have visited Losehill Hall for the past 25 years and know what a massive contribution it makes to environmental learning, locally, nationally and internationally.

“It is an incredibly special place, set in the heart of the national park. It has offered exceptional learning opportunities, to children and adults alike, including professional training. Those who have visited Losehill remember it with affection for the rest of their lives.

“It would be dismal if the national park authority was to sell this priceless asset. We shall urge members to accept a bid to lease it, not buy it, so that the park authority retains control and can ensure that Losehill continues to contribute to the national park’s admirable learning service.”

She said the society was anxious that Losehill should continue to offer training and education of the highest standard, as well as welcoming people there for conferences and seminars in inspirational surroundings.

“The decision which members make on Friday will be of fundamental importance,” Ms Ashbrook continued, “not only for Losehill Hall but for environmental and national park learning throughout the UK. We urge the members to ensure that Losehill Hall is still an integral part of this.”