REGULAR visitors at the Dean Heritage Centre say a ‘hefty’ car parking charge is forcing them to turn their backs on the tourist attraction.

Two people contacted the Review separately to air their dissatisfaction of the £3 charge which is only reimbursed when an admission ticket is purchased.

The centre says, as a charity that relies on public funding, the parking charge supports maintenance costs.

One woman, who frequently visits the centre’s cafe in Soudley, said: “Who in their right mind is going to use the café or the museum after paying a hefty car parking charge?

“Although I am

not physically walking around the museum I am supporting its on-site facility and the rent from the café goes directly back into the museum.

“I would like to add the café was empty – which says it all doesn’t it? The centre has become very greedy. I went elsewhere.”

A regular visitor, who lives in Ruardean, added: “[When I last visited] the café staff said to me

the parking charge was killing their business hence why it was so empty. The centre is completely unsympathetic. The museum will reimburse your money if you buy a museum ticket, but not if you are using the café.

“So I’m supposed to pay for the meal plus £3 parking. I should be able to park there for free if I’m using their café as I’m bringing money to their museum via the cafe. If they didn’t have the cafe, they couldn’t collect rent from it. You can park nearby but I fear in general the Dean Heritage Centre won’t be around for long.

“Also I wouldn’t feel safe parking in places nearby as I have to get out the car with walking sticks. It’s bad enough for me walking from the car park. I think they should find another way to police their car park. Other museums have to do that.

“Also, £7.50 for an adult entry is extortionate. If they reduced it to £4.50, they’d get more people through the door as money is tight for lot of parents including for us.”

Emma Smith, centre manager, on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Dean Heritage Museum Trust (DHMT), said: “Visitors to the museum who purchase a daily admission ticket or hold a season ticket do not have to pay any parking fee as this is included in their admission price. 

“The DHMT is in the process of joining the discovery pass scheme which will entitle pass holders to free parking and discounted admission.

“The café on-site is

a separate organisation, therefore the DHMT is unable to refund money spent on parking from purchases of refreshments from the café.”