Runners on the route of the Saturday morning 5K at Castlecoole bmcb 6
An online petition has been launched urging the National Trust to restore the Enniskillen Parkrun to Castle Coole.
Parkrun organisers have stressed that they have done everything in their power to remain at Castlecoole and say they are devastated at having to relocate their weekly 5km event to The Lakeland Forum from next month.
The Parkrun moved to Castlecoole in 2014 but is now returning to its original venue at the Forum on Saturday mornings from September 3rd due to the increased conservation impact on the National Trust property.
The petition has been started by Heather Harper from Ballinamallard, who along with her husband and three adult children are all members of the National Trust and parkrunners.
She said: “We are very disappointed by the decision of the National Trust to withdraw support for Parkrun and are proud of the association between the two groups. Both the National Trust and Parkrun benefit from this partnership and we want to see it continue. The National Trust website already embraces this friendship both at Castle Coole and throughout England and Wales, stating that it promotes personal health and conservation. Fermanagh and Castle Coole should should continue to be part of this collaboration.”
Erne North UUP Cllr Diana Armstrong is among those who signed the petition.
“I believe the Parkrun is a wonderful way to showcase National Trust property and encourage new members as well as keeping the National Trust involved with local communities. This is the most wonderful venue to encourage people to come and share the beauty and good work of the National Trust whilst respecting and having pride in the property,” she said.
Hundreds of signatures have already been gathered from those who want the run to remain at Castle Coole which will be delivered directly to the National Trust.
You can sign your name by following this link.
https://www.change.org/p/national-trust-to-restore-enniskillen-parkrun-to-the-national-trust-property-at-castle-coole?recruiter=573714188&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_term=mob-md-petitions_show_components_action_panel_wrapper-reason_msg&fb_ref=Default
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere