Many years ago, the community in Cockermouth saved Wordsworth House from demolition when plans were proposed to build a bus station, and the birthplace of William Wordsworth now stands as a historic gem on Cockermouth’s main street. Over the summer, following concerns about its future, I launched a similarly worded petition, which attracted more than 1,200 signatures. That campaign secured a commitment from the National Trust that the facility would not close. However, the trust has admitted that its long-term sustainability remains uncertain. I urge the National Trust to honour its promise to me to work with local businesses and the community to secure its future. The petitioners
“therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to work with the National Trust to keep Wordsworth House fully operational and open to visitors. And the petitioners remain, etc.”
Following is the full text of the petition:
[The petition of residents of the constituency of Penrith and Solway,
Declares that Wordsworth House and Garden, a Grade 1 listed national treasure, birthplace of poet William Wordsworth, is vital to our national heritage, education and local economy and its potential closure would be an incalculable loss, robbing future generations of a direct link to a pivotal era of English literature and a key contributor to Cumbrian tourism.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to work with the National Trust to keep Wordsworth House fully operational and open to visitors.
And the petitioners remain, etc.]
[P003120]