Tolpuddle Martyrs Memorial Cottage U-turn (From Dorset Echo)

Tolpuddle Martyrs Memorial Cottage U-turn

11:10am Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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VILLAGERS in Tolpuddle have welcomed a U-turn over plans to put a cottage for retired trade union members out for holiday let.

The Echo reported how proposals by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to offer up one of the historic Tolpuddle Martyrs Memorial Cottages for short term let sparked a furious reaction among local residents.

The cottages had traditionally been let to retired agricultural workers since the 1930s and villagers also claimed there was enough holiday accommodation in the area already.

Tolpuddle residents have now received a letter from the TUC indicating to residents that they will be searching for a retired tenant for the property.

The letter from TUC regional secretary Nigel Costley states: “The trustees, when they meet next in October, will agree the process of advertising and selection of a retired tenant.

“No plans for temporary holiday or short term lets have been pursued.”

Mr Costley added: “We found some of the local press coverage upsetting but it did confirm the high level of interest and concern in the village about what the TUC does in memory of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.”

Mr Costley also invited residents to an open meeting at Tolpuddle Village Hall from 7pm next Thursday to discuss the latest developments with the cottages.

Tolpuddle resident Tony Gould, 69, said: “We are encouraged by the development and naturally we are waiting to see what matters are discussed at the meeting.

“We are very pleased to find that they are not pursuing the holiday cottage any more and taking positive steps to install a permanent resident.”

He added: “I can assure you that the people of the village will be pleased.”

Mr Gould said he was pleased a resolution had been reached ahead of the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival from July 17 to 19 and stressed that, just as every other year, the villagers would play their part to help make the event a success.

Fellow villager Tim Reed, 44, said: “It shouldn’t have all come up in the first place if they had put a proper person in the cottage, that’s all the village would want.

“It is promising in a way that they have found out they are not able to get away with it and there are a lot of strong feelings in the village about it.”

Annette Pitman, 45, who has lived in the village for 40 years, said: “Let’s hope they are genuine and something is actually going to happen.

“Hopefully they have listened and it’s not just to keep us quiet until after the festival.”