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 National Trust. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Trust. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 January 2012
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!
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
2 Star or NOT 2 Star? NOT CastleWard Caravan Park
NdTNI - National disTrust of National Trust Northern Ireland Policy
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has confirmed the Castle Ward Caravan Park as owned and operated by the National Trust, does NOT have the 4 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Rating that the National Trust proclaimed they were so delighted to have received back in December 2010.
Since then the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has also confirmed that the aforementioned National Trust owned and operated Castle Ward Caravan Park did NOT have a 2 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Rating either, NOT for many years, since 2004 to be more precise. This despite the fact the National Trust has been proudly displaying their Northern Ireland Tourist Board 2 Star Rating at the offending Castle Ward Caravan Park as the two photographs taken in January 2011, clearly show.
Whether in the eyes of the law this is blatant fraud or not remains to be seen, many tourists though rightly allegedly believe they were at best misled by the National Trust for the sole purpose of financial gain, since 2004. Last year the 60% increase in fees was allegedly to bring the prices in line with other comparable sites in the area. Where are these other UNGRADED, UNRATED comparable sites in the area?
And what about the part played by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in this nasty little plot to allegedly deceive tourists? The NITB are fully aware of the fact unsuspecting innocent tourists are now alleging fraud, that they were conned into believing the CastleWard Caravan Park had been 2 Star Graded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board when it hadn't for many years, and furthermore they were then led to believe the CastleWard Caravan Park had received a 4 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Grading for 2011.
Should the Northern Ireland Tourist Board now fully explain the reasons that has led them to be satisfied with this despicable treatment of TOURISTS by the National Trust in Northern Ireland? Yes!
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 have their fees returned, and receive financial compensation from the National Trust? Yes!
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has confirmed the Castle Ward Caravan Park as owned and operated by the National Trust, does NOT have the 4 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Rating that the National Trust proclaimed they were so delighted to have received back in December 2010.
Since then the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has also confirmed that the aforementioned National Trust owned and operated Castle Ward Caravan Park did NOT have a 2 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Rating either, NOT for many years, since 2004 to be more precise. This despite the fact the National Trust has been proudly displaying their Northern Ireland Tourist Board 2 Star Rating at the offending Castle Ward Caravan Park as the two photographs taken in January 2011, clearly show.Whether in the eyes of the law this is blatant fraud or not remains to be seen, many tourists though rightly allegedly believe they were at best misled by the National Trust for the sole purpose of financial gain, since 2004. Last year the 60% increase in fees was allegedly to bring the prices in line with other comparable sites in the area. Where are these other UNGRADED, UNRATED comparable sites in the area?
And what about the part played by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board in this nasty little plot to allegedly deceive tourists? The NITB are fully aware of the fact unsuspecting innocent tourists are now alleging fraud, that they were conned into believing the CastleWard Caravan Park had been 2 Star Graded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board when it hadn't for many years, and furthermore they were then led to believe the CastleWard Caravan Park had received a 4 Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board Grading for 2011.
Should the Northern Ireland Tourist Board now fully explain the reasons that has led them to be satisfied with this despicable treatment of TOURISTS by the National Trust in Northern Ireland? Yes!
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 have their fees returned, and receive financial compensation from the National Trust? Yes!
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Why Do We Need The Northern Ireland Tourist Board When We Have The National Trust?
Northern Ireland Tourists disTrust National disTrust
Over at what do they know . com an obviously already irate tourist now seems to have taken umbrage with the response he received to a Freedom of Information request. In light of the ongoing saga of the National Trust having claimed they had received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4Star Rating for their CastleWard Caravan Park which turned out to have been totally untrue, a more than valid question was asked of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board by the aforementioned irate tourist.
What action had asked the irate tourist, would the Northern Ireland Tourist Board be taking against the National Trust for falsely claiming they had received a 4Star NITB grading when they clearly had not, and the existence of an alleged 2Star NITB Rating had also been questioned. In reply the NITB stated the Manager of the CastleWard Caravan Park, had been spoken to, and he had confirmed that the email they issued should not have included any reference to a star rating and that they would not be issuing any documentation or promoting a star rating until an inspection has taken place and an official notification of a star rating has been given.
Not exactly what the National Trust clarification email/letter from of 19th January 2011 said with lashings of ambiguity, and what about the new site updates that hadn't materialised either?
Nonetheless the Northern Ireland Tourist Board say they are now satisfied that this matter has now been resolved, which is all very well, but are any of the many irate tourists satisfied, many of whom feel they have been conned by the National Trust? No, they most certainly are not in the least satisfied with the stance taken by the allegedly toothless feeble Northern Ireland Tourist Board, but then again, what exactly can the NITB actually do about the allegedly all powerful National Trust?
Very soon, some suspect the National Trust will achieve what they've been allegedly rumoured to be allegedly vying for, the demise of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, after all, who needs the NITB when the National Trust is allegedly rumoured to be allegedly promoting itself as the alternative. A relaxing walk through our pleasant countryside would, it might be alleged, very soon be affordable only by those rich enough to pay the exorbitant 'air that I breathe' fees as would allegedly be imposed by the new regime. Not such an exaggeration some might say, for haven't they already allegedly taken over a sizeable portion of the Province, so what or who will stop them from capturing the remaining few acres, and the air that we breathe?
In their response to the aforementioned Freedom of Information request the Northern Ireland Tourist Board more than once refers to the offending Castle Ward Caravan Park as 'premises' which leads us the website of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board where it states: 'Under the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992, all 'premises' in Northern Ireland offering tourist accommodation must be certified by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).'
The NITB furthermore declares: 'NITB aims to provide advice and guidance to encourage world class visitor servicing in the tourism industry. This includes delivering a level of service which meets and exceeds the expectations of all visitors. This also involves the provision of excellent information and facilities.'
Fine noble words from an organisation allegedly losing the battle for supremacy of the Northern Ireland Tourism Policy, and does the provision of excellent information and facilities translate into the National Trust being given carte blanche to falsely claim during December 2010: '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’
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board, is an organisation that surely has, if not a legal duty to protect unsuspecting innocent tourists from alleged shysters, from wherever they might appear, most certainly they should have an alleged moral duty to do so, though before passing judgement it would most likely be prudent to establish if in fact they had any morals.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board Rating Scheme has been shown to be nothing more than a meaningless worthless charade not to be trusted by any right thinking tourist. Can we ever again Trust the Northern Ireland Tourist Board?
Over at what do they know . com an obviously already irate tourist now seems to have taken umbrage with the response he received to a Freedom of Information request. In light of the ongoing saga of the National Trust having claimed they had received a Northern Ireland Tourist Board 4Star Rating for their CastleWard Caravan Park which turned out to have been totally untrue, a more than valid question was asked of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board by the aforementioned irate tourist.
What action had asked the irate tourist, would the Northern Ireland Tourist Board be taking against the National Trust for falsely claiming they had received a 4Star NITB grading when they clearly had not, and the existence of an alleged 2Star NITB Rating had also been questioned. In reply the NITB stated the Manager of the CastleWard Caravan Park, had been spoken to, and he had confirmed that the email they issued should not have included any reference to a star rating and that they would not be issuing any documentation or promoting a star rating until an inspection has taken place and an official notification of a star rating has been given.
Not exactly what the National Trust clarification email/letter from of 19th January 2011 said with lashings of ambiguity, and what about the new site updates that hadn't materialised either?
Nonetheless the Northern Ireland Tourist Board say they are now satisfied that this matter has now been resolved, which is all very well, but are any of the many irate tourists satisfied, many of whom feel they have been conned by the National Trust? No, they most certainly are not in the least satisfied with the stance taken by the allegedly toothless feeble Northern Ireland Tourist Board, but then again, what exactly can the NITB actually do about the allegedly all powerful National Trust?
Very soon, some suspect the National Trust will achieve what they've been allegedly rumoured to be allegedly vying for, the demise of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, after all, who needs the NITB when the National Trust is allegedly rumoured to be allegedly promoting itself as the alternative. A relaxing walk through our pleasant countryside would, it might be alleged, very soon be affordable only by those rich enough to pay the exorbitant 'air that I breathe' fees as would allegedly be imposed by the new regime. Not such an exaggeration some might say, for haven't they already allegedly taken over a sizeable portion of the Province, so what or who will stop them from capturing the remaining few acres, and the air that we breathe?
In their response to the aforementioned Freedom of Information request the Northern Ireland Tourist Board more than once refers to the offending Castle Ward Caravan Park as 'premises' which leads us the website of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board where it states: 'Under the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992, all 'premises' in Northern Ireland offering tourist accommodation must be certified by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).'
The NITB furthermore declares: 'NITB aims to provide advice and guidance to encourage world class visitor servicing in the tourism industry. This includes delivering a level of service which meets and exceeds the expectations of all visitors. This also involves the provision of excellent information and facilities.'
Fine noble words from an organisation allegedly losing the battle for supremacy of the Northern Ireland Tourism Policy, and does the provision of excellent information and facilities translate into the National Trust being given carte blanche to falsely claim during December 2010: '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’
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board, is an organisation that surely has, if not a legal duty to protect unsuspecting innocent tourists from alleged shysters, from wherever they might appear, most certainly they should have an alleged moral duty to do so, though before passing judgement it would most likely be prudent to establish if in fact they had any morals.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board Rating Scheme has been shown to be nothing more than a meaningless worthless charade not to be trusted by any right thinking tourist. Can we ever again Trust the Northern Ireland Tourist Board?
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!
When Was The National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park Awarded 4 Star Rating?
Northern Ireland Tourists disTrust of National disTrust
What do THEY know about the National Trust? Not for no reason do Northern Ireland Tourists disTrust National disTrust Northern Ireland Tourism Policy, if you can not Trust the National Trust, who can you Trust? For a little eye opening leisure time reading, follow the three highlighted links to discover the truth behind the lies, then also armed with the knowledge the National Trust has increased the fees for their Castle Ward Caravan Park at Strangford, by more than an incredible 90% within a 12 month period, decide what credence should be given to the current allegations of misrepresentation with intent to deceive for financial gain.
When was Castle Ward caravan park awarded 4 Star Rating? Perhaps you received the December 2010 letter, or email from the National Trust proclaiming to Campers and Caravan Owners: '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 Northern Ireland Tourist Board has been asked on what precise date was the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park inspected by NITB officials for the purpose of granting said park NITB 4 Star rating? On what precise date did Northern Ireland Tourist Board officially grant the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park a 4 Star NITB Caravan Park Rating? What is the full criteria as laid down by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board for the granting of a 4 Star Caravan Park Rating? Read the clear precise answers from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board!
Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the National Trust and our £9.25 Million. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has been asked if the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park at Strangford possessed a 2Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board rating for 2010 and if not when they last had an NITB rating if ever, and what action the Northern Ireland Tourist Board intend to take against the National Trust for falsely claiming they had been awarded a 4Star NITB grading for their Castle Ward Caravan Park at Strangford which has now been proven to have been a lie.
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!
Should you make a complaint to Trading Standards Northern Ireland alleging misrepresentation with intent to deceive for financial gain as others already have? Yes! Yes! Yes!
Trading Standards Northern Ireland Email: tss@detini.gov.uk
Trading Standards Northern Ireland Tel: 028 9025 3960 (ext: 53960)
What do THEY know about the National Trust? Not for no reason do Northern Ireland Tourists disTrust National disTrust Northern Ireland Tourism Policy, if you can not Trust the National Trust, who can you Trust? For a little eye opening leisure time reading, follow the three highlighted links to discover the truth behind the lies, then also armed with the knowledge the National Trust has increased the fees for their Castle Ward Caravan Park at Strangford, by more than an incredible 90% within a 12 month period, decide what credence should be given to the current allegations of misrepresentation with intent to deceive for financial gain.
When was Castle Ward caravan park awarded 4 Star Rating? Perhaps you received the December 2010 letter, or email from the National Trust proclaiming to Campers and Caravan Owners: '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 Northern Ireland Tourist Board has been asked on what precise date was the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park inspected by NITB officials for the purpose of granting said park NITB 4 Star rating? On what precise date did Northern Ireland Tourist Board officially grant the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park a 4 Star NITB Caravan Park Rating? What is the full criteria as laid down by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board for the granting of a 4 Star Caravan Park Rating? Read the clear precise answers from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board!
Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the National Trust and our £9.25 Million. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has been asked if the National Trust Castle Ward Caravan Park at Strangford possessed a 2Star Northern Ireland Tourist Board rating for 2010 and if not when they last had an NITB rating if ever, and what action the Northern Ireland Tourist Board intend to take against the National Trust for falsely claiming they had been awarded a 4Star NITB grading for their Castle Ward Caravan Park at Strangford which has now been proven to have been a lie.
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!
Should you make a complaint to Trading Standards Northern Ireland alleging misrepresentation with intent to deceive for financial gain as others already have? Yes! Yes! Yes!
Trading Standards Northern Ireland Email: tss@detini.gov.uk
Trading Standards Northern Ireland Tel: 028 9025 3960 (ext: 53960)
Monday, 24 January 2011
Can We Trust The National disTrust of Northern Ireland?
NdTNI - The National disTrust of Northern Ireland Tourism Plank
A previous Chairman of the National Trust apparently once said 'As one of the largest charities, independent of government we are dependent on the support of our 3.5 million members, our visitors, benefactors and our partners to help us find the huge resources necessary to protect and enhance this inheritance. If we fail future generations will not forgive us.
To make every pound count we try to manage our affairs efficiently as the best business so we have radically reformed the way we operate. And we must take decisions quickly, transparently and accountably to give people confidence in the way the charity is run and this is why we have introduced the most far-reaching governance reforms in the Trust’s history.'
A statement of considerable substance, one which takes time to fully digest, particularly so if you're a member, and/or customer, of the National disTrust of Northern Ireland.
Independent of Government! Why then has our dysfunctional Government found it necessary to hand over a reported £9.25 million of our money, and what foolproof safeguards, if any, are in place to ensure every penny of our money is used for the intended purpose - destroying the landscape of Northern Ireland for the allegedly rumoured sole purpose of cashing in on tourism?
Dependent on the support of members, and visitors - customers - to find huge resources! There is a need for the National disTrust to state how many members allegedly actually visit their properties in Northern Ireland, and from where those figures are allegedly summoned. When one realises the National disTrust receives for each visiting member - a 'subsidy' from the pot of the National Trust as a whole - one begins to wonder about what has allegedly been actually alleged, what has actually been witnessed.
Efficient management makes every £pound count! Some would argue otherwise, point towards alleged excessive extravagance, alleged sheer incompetence, alleged mismanagement to list but three allegedly much used phrases.
Quick decisions, transparency and accountably! Quite obviously a previous chairman who never suffered the misfortune of meeting local Senior Management. There are those members, customers who would make use of different words to describe their long drawn out ongoing experiences - and documentation to prove the truth of the lie.
Governance reforms for public confidence! Perhaps the aforementioned well meant speech from the previous Chairman was simply made too many years before the birth of the current National disTrust regime of Northern Ireland.
If we fail future generations will not forgive us! Quite correct, but neither is this generation likely to forgive this National disTrust regime of Northern Ireland.
A previous Chairman of the National Trust apparently once said 'As one of the largest charities, independent of government we are dependent on the support of our 3.5 million members, our visitors, benefactors and our partners to help us find the huge resources necessary to protect and enhance this inheritance. If we fail future generations will not forgive us.
To make every pound count we try to manage our affairs efficiently as the best business so we have radically reformed the way we operate. And we must take decisions quickly, transparently and accountably to give people confidence in the way the charity is run and this is why we have introduced the most far-reaching governance reforms in the Trust’s history.'
A statement of considerable substance, one which takes time to fully digest, particularly so if you're a member, and/or customer, of the National disTrust of Northern Ireland.
Independent of Government! Why then has our dysfunctional Government found it necessary to hand over a reported £9.25 million of our money, and what foolproof safeguards, if any, are in place to ensure every penny of our money is used for the intended purpose - destroying the landscape of Northern Ireland for the allegedly rumoured sole purpose of cashing in on tourism?
Dependent on the support of members, and visitors - customers - to find huge resources! There is a need for the National disTrust to state how many members allegedly actually visit their properties in Northern Ireland, and from where those figures are allegedly summoned. When one realises the National disTrust receives for each visiting member - a 'subsidy' from the pot of the National Trust as a whole - one begins to wonder about what has allegedly been actually alleged, what has actually been witnessed.
Efficient management makes every £pound count! Some would argue otherwise, point towards alleged excessive extravagance, alleged sheer incompetence, alleged mismanagement to list but three allegedly much used phrases.
Quick decisions, transparency and accountably! Quite obviously a previous chairman who never suffered the misfortune of meeting local Senior Management. There are those members, customers who would make use of different words to describe their long drawn out ongoing experiences - and documentation to prove the truth of the lie.
Governance reforms for public confidence! Perhaps the aforementioned well meant speech from the previous Chairman was simply made too many years before the birth of the current National disTrust regime of Northern Ireland.
If we fail future generations will not forgive us! Quite correct, but neither is this generation likely to forgive this National disTrust regime of Northern Ireland.
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