Remember the boastful, unambiguous contents of the December 2010 National Trust mailing to numerous customers of their Castle Ward Caravan Park?
'As a result of a number of site updates Castle Ward is delighted to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating.
New site updates include the following: Improvement of shower facilities (now separate female cubicles), New laundry facilities (token operated washer and tumble dryers), New indoor hot water washroom facilities, A small onsite shop, A new wide entrance with one way system for easy access, A new drive-on drainage post for camper vans, All year opening from 1 March 2011.'
After complaints were made to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the nice people at the National Trust Northern Ireland then sent a further mailing to customers on 19th January 2011, stating with equal clarity:
'I am writing to follow up my recent letter and to provide you with further clarification in relation to the Castle Ward Caravan Park. In my earlier letter I indicated that we had received four star rating for the Caravan Park, but I did not make clear that this is subject to completing specific works.
Due to the very inclement weather conditions during December, work on the planned upgrade to bring the facilities fully up to four star rating was unavoidably delayed. I am pleased to say, however, that construction work is now well underway and on track for our opening date of 1 March 2011. We expect to achieve our new star rating from NITB following the completion of these works.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the site again soon.'
Following on from the revelations of that second mailing, a Freedom of Information request to Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) eventually prompted the following response from the Divisional Planning Office, Rathkeltair House, Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6EA: 'Planning Service is currently considering an application, received on 3 February 2011, for a proposed washing block on the site. The issue of compliance with current Building Regulations and relevant Health and Safety Regulations is a matter for Down Council to consider.'
The foregoing response from the Divisional Planning Office was dated the 7th April 2011 which in itself raises further disturbing issues, for it was back in December 2010 that the National Trust first boasted of the new facilities, and again on the 19th January 2011 when they claimed 'construction work is now well underway and on track for our opening date of 1 March 2011.
Altogether very strange statements from the charitable Northern Ireland National Trust, especially when at those points in time, not only had planning permission not been granted for their new facilities, the National Trust hadn't even bothered to make a planning application! So does this mean the National Trust then constructed the new facilities without any planning permission from Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland)?
How could the new facilities be ready for the opening of the Castle Ward caravan park on 1st March 2011 when more than a month later (7th April 2011) the Planning Service were still only considering the planning application? Furthermore, if the National Trust did indeed construct the building without legally required planning approval, is the building fit for purpose, is it a safe environment for customers, and in particular for children? Should the National Trust be asked if they have Public Liability Insurance which actually covers patrons of the Castle Ward caravan site?
Is this the same National Trust that is campaigning to stop planning permission being granted for a new golfing complex in the North West of Northern Ireland? Perhaps we should state that the developers of the proposed golfing complex have allegedly applied for planning permission, something the National Trust obviously decided they were exempt from.
Who or what does the Northern Ireland National Trust actually think they are? A hugely warped version of the Ku Klux Klan perhaps. There are members out there who have encountered an alleged culture of arrogance, incompetence, lying, evasiveness and secrecy. Secret dubious investigations are conducted, the outcome of which are also kept secret, even from those members they have implicated. Therefore we ask if the National Trust in Northern Ireland is unfit for purpose? Some people certainly believe the Northern Ireland National Trust is a corrupt organisation, so the question is, are those people correct?
Showing posts with label NITB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NITB. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Castle Ward Caravan Park Still Claiming 4Star NITB Status
NdTNI - National disTrust of National Trust Northern Ireland Policy
Over at whatdotheyknow.com, what seems to have been a perfectly legitimate Freedom of Information request was asked of the NITB, which was why the Northern Ireland Tourist Board was condoning the serious misrepresentation actions of the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park?
To be fair, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board responded by saying: 'NITB does not condone ‘serious misrepresentation actions’ by any organisation and have not condoned the issue of a letter by Castleward Caravan Park claiming they had received their four star rating.'
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board then went on to say: 'NITB’s standard procedure and protocol, in relation to any tourist accommodation claiming they have a star rating which they don’t have, is to initially instruct the premises by telephone to remove all reference to this. If appropriate, NITB will follow this up in writing giving a deadline by which this must be done. If the premises refuses to do so, NITB will issue a final written warning and liaise with its legal team to discuss legal action. As soon as NITB was made aware that Castleward Caravan Park had issued a letter referring to a grading which they did not have, we investigated this matter by contacting both the independent assessor and Castleward Caravan Park directly. Castleward Caravan Park advised us that the letter they issued was incorrect and confirmed that this should not have contained any reference to the grading which they hope to achieve later this year. In this instance, NITB has determined that no further action is required at this time. However, as mentioned previously, NITB will monitor the situation and take appropriate action when necessary.'
The National Trust have just begun advertising for a 'Caravan and Accommodations Supervisor' for Castle Ward, and online under 'DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE' it would appear that amongst other duties, the successful applicant will be accountable for: 'Castle Ward caravan/ campsite (NITB 4 star) Castle Ward Base Camp, Castle Ward Holiday Cottages (Potters Cottage NITB 4 star, Downpatrick Gate Lodge NITB 3 star, Murlough Cottage, Murlough Gate Lodge)'
'However, as mentioned previously, NITB will monitor the situation and take appropriate action when necessary.'
Perhaps therefore, being aware of the repeated false claim of the National Trust, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board would now care to comment on this further act of blatant misrepresentaion by the National Trust or is it the case that the previous blog posting 'Why Do We Need The Northern Ireland Tourist Board When We Have The National Trust?' really does say it all? Who does need the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, certainly not the National Trust Tourist Board!
No, we are not going to raise the subject of the aforementioned Potters Cottage NITB 4 Star Rating, or the Downpatrick Gate Lodge NITB 3 Star Rating, preferring to assume, rightly or wrongly, that even the National Trust Senior Management are not that stupid.
To be fair, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board responded by saying: 'NITB does not condone ‘serious misrepresentation actions’ by any organisation and have not condoned the issue of a letter by Castleward Caravan Park claiming they had received their four star rating.'
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board then went on to say: 'NITB’s standard procedure and protocol, in relation to any tourist accommodation claiming they have a star rating which they don’t have, is to initially instruct the premises by telephone to remove all reference to this. If appropriate, NITB will follow this up in writing giving a deadline by which this must be done. If the premises refuses to do so, NITB will issue a final written warning and liaise with its legal team to discuss legal action. As soon as NITB was made aware that Castleward Caravan Park had issued a letter referring to a grading which they did not have, we investigated this matter by contacting both the independent assessor and Castleward Caravan Park directly. Castleward Caravan Park advised us that the letter they issued was incorrect and confirmed that this should not have contained any reference to the grading which they hope to achieve later this year. In this instance, NITB has determined that no further action is required at this time. However, as mentioned previously, NITB will monitor the situation and take appropriate action when necessary.'
The National Trust have just begun advertising for a 'Caravan and Accommodations Supervisor' for Castle Ward, and online under 'DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE' it would appear that amongst other duties, the successful applicant will be accountable for: 'Castle Ward caravan/ campsite (NITB 4 star) Castle Ward Base Camp, Castle Ward Holiday Cottages (Potters Cottage NITB 4 star, Downpatrick Gate Lodge NITB 3 star, Murlough Cottage, Murlough Gate Lodge)'
'However, as mentioned previously, NITB will monitor the situation and take appropriate action when necessary.'
Perhaps therefore, being aware of the repeated false claim of the National Trust, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board would now care to comment on this further act of blatant misrepresentaion by the National Trust or is it the case that the previous blog posting 'Why Do We Need The Northern Ireland Tourist Board When We Have The National Trust?' really does say it all? Who does need the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, certainly not the National Trust Tourist Board!
No, we are not going to raise the subject of the aforementioned Potters Cottage NITB 4 Star Rating, or the Downpatrick Gate Lodge NITB 3 Star Rating, preferring to assume, rightly or wrongly, that even the National Trust Senior Management are not that stupid.
Thursday, 10 February 2011
One Mythical Giant + One Minister + One National Trust = £9.25 Million
NdTNI - National disTrust of National Trust Northern Ireland Policy
An inquisitive Northern Ireland tourist recently asked of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in a Freedom of Information request, if in light of the current rumoured allegedly serious allegations involving the Northern Ireland National Trust, whether or not, the DETI Minister Arlene Foster retained full confidence in the ability of the National Trust to carry out to it's successful conclusion the Giants Causeway project; bearing in mind of course, that £9.25 million of taxpayers money has been reportedly channelled into the aforementioned project?
Following is the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) reply to the aforementioned inquisitive tourist:
'Thank you for your e-mail of 19 January to Arlene Foster MLA, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment regarding the National Trust and the Giant's Causeway project. The Minister has read your correspondence and has asked me to reply on her behalf.
Work is currently underway on the development of new visitor facilities at the Giants Causeway. Gilbert Ash was successful in the public tender to carry out the main construction works and work on site is progressing well. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is confident that the project is on schedule for completion in 2012.
The Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience (GCVE) is an exemplar of good governance. NITB as a funder for such a large scale strategic project must ensure that it is economically and financially viable offering good value for money. The implementation of the Gateway Process, perceived as best practice will assist in terms of ascertaining the project’s viability and robustness. GCVE to date has progressed successfully through stage 2 and 3 of the Gateway process. NITB is committed to the successful completion of the project and are confident that the new facilities will enhance the visitor experience along Northem lreland’s premier driving route the Causeway Coastal Route (CCR).
Regular meetings take place with National Trust through an established project board.
A recent press release stated that total project costs of £18.5m included taxpayer contribution of £9.25m. In fact the funding mix, managed by NITB, is made up of £3.125m Govemment financial assistance and £6.125m from the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. National Trust will provide £6.25m and the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded financial assistance of £3m. NITB and National Trust are dedicated to the project and certain that every effort is being made to ensure the successful completion of the new visitor facilities at the Giant's Causeway.'
Note that rather than declaring the National Trust retained the implicit support of DETI Minister Arlene Foster, the DETI Spin Doctors decided instead to spin a web of utter meaningless drivel, so nothing has changed at the DETI either.
The question; does the DETI Minister Arlene Foster retain full confidence in the National Trust Northern Ireland, has not actually been answered, so what should be read into this omission?
Maybe rightly or wrongly, reading between the lines, it could be assumed the DETI Spin Doctors are actually stating Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) Minister Arlene Foster of the DUP, does not wish to be implicated in anything untoward allegedly rumoured to be involving the National Trust, and that she personally does not Trust the National Trust either!
Perhaps we should now invite the Minister to Join The Club!
NdTNI Northern Ireland Tourists National disTrust National Trust Northern Ireland!
An inquisitive Northern Ireland tourist recently asked of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in a Freedom of Information request, if in light of the current rumoured allegedly serious allegations involving the Northern Ireland National Trust, whether or not, the DETI Minister Arlene Foster retained full confidence in the ability of the National Trust to carry out to it's successful conclusion the Giants Causeway project; bearing in mind of course, that £9.25 million of taxpayers money has been reportedly channelled into the aforementioned project?
Following is the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) reply to the aforementioned inquisitive tourist:
'Thank you for your e-mail of 19 January to Arlene Foster MLA, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment regarding the National Trust and the Giant's Causeway project. The Minister has read your correspondence and has asked me to reply on her behalf.
Work is currently underway on the development of new visitor facilities at the Giants Causeway. Gilbert Ash was successful in the public tender to carry out the main construction works and work on site is progressing well. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is confident that the project is on schedule for completion in 2012.
The Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience (GCVE) is an exemplar of good governance. NITB as a funder for such a large scale strategic project must ensure that it is economically and financially viable offering good value for money. The implementation of the Gateway Process, perceived as best practice will assist in terms of ascertaining the project’s viability and robustness. GCVE to date has progressed successfully through stage 2 and 3 of the Gateway process. NITB is committed to the successful completion of the project and are confident that the new facilities will enhance the visitor experience along Northem lreland’s premier driving route the Causeway Coastal Route (CCR).
Regular meetings take place with National Trust through an established project board.
A recent press release stated that total project costs of £18.5m included taxpayer contribution of £9.25m. In fact the funding mix, managed by NITB, is made up of £3.125m Govemment financial assistance and £6.125m from the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. National Trust will provide £6.25m and the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded financial assistance of £3m. NITB and National Trust are dedicated to the project and certain that every effort is being made to ensure the successful completion of the new visitor facilities at the Giant's Causeway.'
Note that rather than declaring the National Trust retained the implicit support of DETI Minister Arlene Foster, the DETI Spin Doctors decided instead to spin a web of utter meaningless drivel, so nothing has changed at the DETI either.
The question; does the DETI Minister Arlene Foster retain full confidence in the National Trust Northern Ireland, has not actually been answered, so what should be read into this omission?
Maybe rightly or wrongly, reading between the lines, it could be assumed the DETI Spin Doctors are actually stating Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) Minister Arlene Foster of the DUP, does not wish to be implicated in anything untoward allegedly rumoured to be involving the National Trust, and that she personally does not Trust the National Trust either!
Perhaps we should now invite the Minister to Join The Club!
NdTNI Northern Ireland Tourists National disTrust National Trust Northern Ireland!
Can the National Trust be Trusted with our £9.25 Million?
NdTNI - National disTrust of National Trust Northern Ireland Policy
It's been allegedly said that in politics a noble lie is a myth or untruth, which is all very well for those people with no concept of what actually constitutes the truth, those same people who have long since lost the ability of distinguishing between the telling of the truth and the incessant telling of untruths. There are people so habitually accustomed to telling untruths, that to them a bare faced blatant lie is their unwavering version of the truth for consumption by the 'peasants' of Northern Ireland. Those same recession torpedoed 'peasants' whose money keeps the privileged untouchables in the ivory tower extravagant life style to which they have allegedly become much to accustomed.
Can the National Trust be Trusted with our £9.25 Million? The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Northern Ireland), were asked over at whatdotheyknow.com if it could be established whether in light of news that the National Trust Northern Ireland is allegedly rumoured to be operating at a significant annual deficit in Northern Ireland, the current rumoured allegations of alleged rumours of alleged serious allegations involving the Northern Ireland National Trust including alleged rumours of alleged misrepresentation for financial gain, and rumours of an allegedly rumoured investigation, did DETI Minister Arlene Foster seek to have the current audited accounts of the Northern Ireland National Trust fully examined, and were adequate open and transparent procedures put in place to ensure the £9.25 million channelled towards the National Trust for the Giant’s Causeway project, is not used for any other purposes by the National Trust, other than that for which it was intended?
Following is the reply to the aforementioned Freedom of Information request as received from Tourism Policy Branch of the DETI, otherwise known as the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: ' In terms of investment in the Giant’s Causeway Project, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) as a funder for such a large scale strategic project must ensure that it is economically and financially viable offering good value for money. The implementation of the Gateway Process, perceived as best practice, will assist in terms of ascertaining the project’s viability and robustness. The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience (GCVE) to date has progressed successfully through stages 2 and 3 of the Gateway process. NITB views GCVE as an exemplar of good governance. NITB is committed to the successful completion of the project and are confident that the new facilities will enhance the visitor experience along Northern Ireland’s premier driving route, the Causeway Coastal Route (CCR). Gilbert Ash was successful in the public tender to carry out the main construction works and work onsite is progressing well. NITB is confident that the project is on schedule for completion in 2012.
Regular meetings take place with National Trust through an established project board and funders forum. NITB and National Trust are dedicated to the project and every effort is being made to ensure the successful completion of the new visitor facilities at the Giant’s Causeway.
By way of clarification I should point out that the £9.25m funding managed by NITB is made up of £3.125m Government financial assistance and £6.125m from the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. The National Trust will provide £6.25m towards the project and the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded financial assistance of £3m.'
Any Spin Bowler would be proud of the amount of spin in the foregoing response from the DETI, but please do note the actual query; did DETI Minister Arlene Foster seek to have the current audited accounts of the Northern Ireland National Trust fully examined, and were adequate open and transparent procedures put in place to ensure the £9.25 million channelled towards the National Trust for the Giant’s Causeway project is not used for any other purposes by the National Trust, other than that for which it was intended, were not actually answered, so presumably the answer is a resounding - NO!
It's been allegedly said that in politics a noble lie is a myth or untruth, which is all very well for those people with no concept of what actually constitutes the truth, those same people who have long since lost the ability of distinguishing between the telling of the truth and the incessant telling of untruths. There are people so habitually accustomed to telling untruths, that to them a bare faced blatant lie is their unwavering version of the truth for consumption by the 'peasants' of Northern Ireland. Those same recession torpedoed 'peasants' whose money keeps the privileged untouchables in the ivory tower extravagant life style to which they have allegedly become much to accustomed.
Can the National Trust be Trusted with our £9.25 Million? The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Northern Ireland), were asked over at whatdotheyknow.com if it could be established whether in light of news that the National Trust Northern Ireland is allegedly rumoured to be operating at a significant annual deficit in Northern Ireland, the current rumoured allegations of alleged rumours of alleged serious allegations involving the Northern Ireland National Trust including alleged rumours of alleged misrepresentation for financial gain, and rumours of an allegedly rumoured investigation, did DETI Minister Arlene Foster seek to have the current audited accounts of the Northern Ireland National Trust fully examined, and were adequate open and transparent procedures put in place to ensure the £9.25 million channelled towards the National Trust for the Giant’s Causeway project, is not used for any other purposes by the National Trust, other than that for which it was intended?
Following is the reply to the aforementioned Freedom of Information request as received from Tourism Policy Branch of the DETI, otherwise known as the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: ' In terms of investment in the Giant’s Causeway Project, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) as a funder for such a large scale strategic project must ensure that it is economically and financially viable offering good value for money. The implementation of the Gateway Process, perceived as best practice, will assist in terms of ascertaining the project’s viability and robustness. The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience (GCVE) to date has progressed successfully through stages 2 and 3 of the Gateway process. NITB views GCVE as an exemplar of good governance. NITB is committed to the successful completion of the project and are confident that the new facilities will enhance the visitor experience along Northern Ireland’s premier driving route, the Causeway Coastal Route (CCR). Gilbert Ash was successful in the public tender to carry out the main construction works and work onsite is progressing well. NITB is confident that the project is on schedule for completion in 2012.
Regular meetings take place with National Trust through an established project board and funders forum. NITB and National Trust are dedicated to the project and every effort is being made to ensure the successful completion of the new visitor facilities at the Giant’s Causeway.
By way of clarification I should point out that the £9.25m funding managed by NITB is made up of £3.125m Government financial assistance and £6.125m from the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. The National Trust will provide £6.25m towards the project and the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded financial assistance of £3m.'
Any Spin Bowler would be proud of the amount of spin in the foregoing response from the DETI, but please do note the actual query; did DETI Minister Arlene Foster seek to have the current audited accounts of the Northern Ireland National Trust fully examined, and were adequate open and transparent procedures put in place to ensure the £9.25 million channelled towards the National Trust for the Giant’s Causeway project is not used for any other purposes by the National Trust, other than that for which it was intended, were not actually answered, so presumably the answer is a resounding - NO!
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
National Trust Professional Construction Company?
NdTNI - National disTrust of National Trust Northern Ireland Policy
Stupid question, but does any of the two photographs taken in January showing construction of new facilities at the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park inspire confidence in even the most optimistic person?
Do these images represent the work of dilligent professional building contractors who know what they're doing, or the work of amateur volunteers who know not what they do? Gilbert-Ash N.I. Ltd the construction company awarded the contract to build a new visitors' centre at the North Coast Quarry Attraction presumably decided the Castle Ward Caravan Park new site updates were out of their league, therefore was rumoured to have refrained from tendering for the huge contract. When 'completed' will this new 'construction' pass an Inspection by Health and Safety Officials, and officials from Downpatrick Regional Planning Office? Would you as a responsible caring parent permit your child to enter the 'completed' construction?
Remember the December 2010 communication from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park proudly proclaiming how delighted they were to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating, which turned out to be something other than the truth, how unusual for the National Trust! Remember also the new site updates as mentioned in the same communication of December 2010?
Should the National Trust receive a 4 Star Rating from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the honest hard working experienced owners of safe, immaculate, honestly operated, genuine 2 Star, and 4 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Approved Caravan Parks throughout Northern Ireland will be asking serious searching questions of the NITB, and expecting truthful answers regarding the validity of the now meaningless NITB Grading Scheme.
Stupid question, but does any of the two photographs taken in January showing construction of new facilities at the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park inspire confidence in even the most optimistic person?
Do these images represent the work of dilligent professional building contractors who know what they're doing, or the work of amateur volunteers who know not what they do? Gilbert-Ash N.I. Ltd the construction company awarded the contract to build a new visitors' centre at the North Coast Quarry Attraction presumably decided the Castle Ward Caravan Park new site updates were out of their league, therefore was rumoured to have refrained from tendering for the huge contract. When 'completed' will this new 'construction' pass an Inspection by Health and Safety Officials, and officials from Downpatrick Regional Planning Office? Would you as a responsible caring parent permit your child to enter the 'completed' construction?Remember the December 2010 communication from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park proudly proclaiming how delighted they were to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating, which turned out to be something other than the truth, how unusual for the National Trust! Remember also the new site updates as mentioned in the same communication of December 2010?Should the National Trust receive a 4 Star Rating from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the honest hard working experienced owners of safe, immaculate, honestly operated, genuine 2 Star, and 4 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Approved Caravan Parks throughout Northern Ireland will be asking serious searching questions of the NITB, and expecting truthful answers regarding the validity of the now meaningless NITB Grading Scheme.
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park 4Star Clarification
Northern Ireland Tourists disTrust National disTrust
Remember receiving the December 2010 correspondence from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park which unambiguously proclaimed: 'As a result of a number of site updates Castle Ward is delighted to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating'
Despite what can only be described as ambiguous clarification from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park in late January 2011, here is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about that Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4Star Rating. The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park does NOT have nor will it have a 4Star NITB Rating or any other NITB Rating when the aforementioned National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park opens for the 2011 camping and caravan season, a fact that has been confirmed with clarity by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Therefore ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls, sit back; relax whilst a tale of woe is told. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has most kindly confirmed with some authority the following. The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park has not been a member of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board grading scheme for many years, therefore the aforementioned National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Strangford, has for many years, including 2010, been an ungraded, unrated camping and caravan park, except perhaps in the minds of those much superior beings looking down upon the 'peasants' of the land.
The Inspector for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board grading scheme, visited the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park on 13th October 2010 and discussed improvement proposals to the facilities. The Inspector explained to the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park that NO assessment of the new facilities would be conducted until the work was complete.
The Inspector received an application by email from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park on 3rd January 2011 and an invoice for payment has subsequently been issued. (The payment of invoices, cheques winging their way across the celestial sphere; are topics to be revisited on another day.) Take note dear friends of the date the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park applied by email to the NITB with a view to joining the scheme. The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park informed campers and caravan owners during December 2010 that they had received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating, but now it has been revealed they had at that time not even applied to be considered for an NITB Rating
No inspection will be carried out until after the proposed improvements have been completed and the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park has reopened for the new 2011 camping and caravan season. Until that inspection is carried out and the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park is deemed to meet the required standards as set out in the star grading scheme - the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park will NOT have an NITB Star rating of any numerical figure higher than ZERO.
A full copy of the required standards is available to view here on the NITB website.
Therefore, if under the illusion you would be staying at a 4Star Camping and Caravan Park, you have made a booking for the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park, and paid in full as is required, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth is, until such times as the NITB says otherwise, you will be staying at an UNRATED, UNGRADED by the NITB, National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park which is exactly what it has been for many years.
Very obviously, any rumoured allegations of whether or not the National Trust are guilty of fraud, or attempted fraud will be for others to investigate and decide, the rest of us will have to make our own judgement, but first there will be further revelations to consider.
Remember receiving the December 2010 correspondence from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park which unambiguously proclaimed: 'As a result of a number of site updates Castle Ward is delighted to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating'
Despite what can only be described as ambiguous clarification from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park in late January 2011, here is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about that Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4Star Rating. The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park does NOT have nor will it have a 4Star NITB Rating or any other NITB Rating when the aforementioned National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park opens for the 2011 camping and caravan season, a fact that has been confirmed with clarity by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
Therefore ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls, sit back; relax whilst a tale of woe is told. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has most kindly confirmed with some authority the following. The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park has not been a member of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board grading scheme for many years, therefore the aforementioned National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Strangford, has for many years, including 2010, been an ungraded, unrated camping and caravan park, except perhaps in the minds of those much superior beings looking down upon the 'peasants' of the land.
The Inspector for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board grading scheme, visited the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park on 13th October 2010 and discussed improvement proposals to the facilities. The Inspector explained to the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park that NO assessment of the new facilities would be conducted until the work was complete.
The Inspector received an application by email from the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park on 3rd January 2011 and an invoice for payment has subsequently been issued. (The payment of invoices, cheques winging their way across the celestial sphere; are topics to be revisited on another day.) Take note dear friends of the date the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park applied by email to the NITB with a view to joining the scheme. The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park informed campers and caravan owners during December 2010 that they had received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating, but now it has been revealed they had at that time not even applied to be considered for an NITB Rating
No inspection will be carried out until after the proposed improvements have been completed and the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park has reopened for the new 2011 camping and caravan season. Until that inspection is carried out and the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park is deemed to meet the required standards as set out in the star grading scheme - the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park will NOT have an NITB Star rating of any numerical figure higher than ZERO.
A full copy of the required standards is available to view here on the NITB website.
Therefore, if under the illusion you would be staying at a 4Star Camping and Caravan Park, you have made a booking for the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park, and paid in full as is required, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth is, until such times as the NITB says otherwise, you will be staying at an UNRATED, UNGRADED by the NITB, National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park which is exactly what it has been for many years.
Very obviously, any rumoured allegations of whether or not the National Trust are guilty of fraud, or attempted fraud will be for others to investigate and decide, the rest of us will have to make our own judgement, but first there will be further revelations to consider.
Sunday, 30 January 2011
National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park Planning Application Query
Northern Ireland Tourists disTrust of National disTrust
In the midst of the same correspondence circulated by the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park to Campers and Caravan Owners during December 2010 in which the National Trust Northern Ireland proclaimed with clarity: 'As a result of a number of site updates Castle Ward is delighted to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating' the following was also proclaimed with equal clarity: ‘New site updates include the following: ‘Improvement of shower facilities (now separate female cubicles), New laundry facilities (token operated washer and tumble dryers), New indoor hot water washroom facilities, A small onsite shop. A new wide entrance with one way system for easy access, A new drive-on drainage post for camper vans’
Following the shocking revelations that the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park had not in fact received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating as falsely claimed, further enquiries have since revealed the new site updates did not exist either, which has led to further questions being asked, and the first obvious question is simple: Why is the Northern Ireland National Trust allegedly deceiving members and customers alike with these alleged outrageously arrogant false claims?
As has already been eloquently stated elsewhere, considering the non-existent new as claimed in December 2010 constructions are to be eventually used by members of the paying public, including children, and the news that following complaints last year Health and Safety officials found it necessary to visit the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park, presumably it would therefore be in the interest of all concerned that any new constructions at the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park have been inspected and deemed to have been built in accordance with, and fully comply with, all current Building Regulations, and of course all current relevant Health and Safety Regulations. Therefore the following two highlighted links might prove to be interesting, and many thanks to he who rightly thought to ask the questions.
National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park planning application query. Down District Council was asked to clarify whether or not the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park applied for and was granted planning permission for the new onsite buildings which according to a letter sent to camping and caravan owners in December 2010 were at that time already completed?
National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park planning application. The Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), has been asked if Downpatrick Regional Planning Office can clarify whether or not the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park @ Castle Ward Estate, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7LS applied for and was granted planning permission for the new onsite buildings which according to a letter sent to caravan owners in December 2010 were at that time already completed?
Thus far there has been no reply from either the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), or the Downpatrick Regional Planning Office, so we have to ask if charities and caravan parks are somehow exempt from complying with Northern Ireland current planning legislation?
Should campers and caravan owners who have been paying customers of the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park now receive a full unreserved public apology from the National Trust? Yes!
Should campers and caravan owners who have been paying customers of the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park now receive financial compensation from the National Trust? Yes!
In the midst of the same correspondence circulated by the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park to Campers and Caravan Owners during December 2010 in which the National Trust Northern Ireland proclaimed with clarity: 'As a result of a number of site updates Castle Ward is delighted to have received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating' the following was also proclaimed with equal clarity: ‘New site updates include the following: ‘Improvement of shower facilities (now separate female cubicles), New laundry facilities (token operated washer and tumble dryers), New indoor hot water washroom facilities, A small onsite shop. A new wide entrance with one way system for easy access, A new drive-on drainage post for camper vans’
Following the shocking revelations that the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park had not in fact received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4 Star Caravan Park Rating as falsely claimed, further enquiries have since revealed the new site updates did not exist either, which has led to further questions being asked, and the first obvious question is simple: Why is the Northern Ireland National Trust allegedly deceiving members and customers alike with these alleged outrageously arrogant false claims?
As has already been eloquently stated elsewhere, considering the non-existent new as claimed in December 2010 constructions are to be eventually used by members of the paying public, including children, and the news that following complaints last year Health and Safety officials found it necessary to visit the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park, presumably it would therefore be in the interest of all concerned that any new constructions at the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park have been inspected and deemed to have been built in accordance with, and fully comply with, all current Building Regulations, and of course all current relevant Health and Safety Regulations. Therefore the following two highlighted links might prove to be interesting, and many thanks to he who rightly thought to ask the questions.
National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park planning application query. Down District Council was asked to clarify whether or not the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park applied for and was granted planning permission for the new onsite buildings which according to a letter sent to camping and caravan owners in December 2010 were at that time already completed?
National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park planning application. The Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), has been asked if Downpatrick Regional Planning Office can clarify whether or not the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park @ Castle Ward Estate, Strangford, County Down, BT30 7LS applied for and was granted planning permission for the new onsite buildings which according to a letter sent to caravan owners in December 2010 were at that time already completed?
Thus far there has been no reply from either the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland), or the Downpatrick Regional Planning Office, so we have to ask if charities and caravan parks are somehow exempt from complying with Northern Ireland current planning legislation?
Should campers and caravan owners who have been paying customers of the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park now receive a full unreserved public apology from the National Trust? Yes!
Should campers and caravan owners who have been paying customers of the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park now receive financial compensation from the National Trust? Yes!
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