THE controversial decision to paywall one of Cirencester's most popular parks has been postponed due to delays in sending passes.

Electric pedestrian gates on four main routes into Cirencester Park - Cecily Hill, Windsor Walk, Barton Lane and Cirencester Park Caravan & Motorhome Club - were due be activated on Friday, March 15 meaning families, dog walkers and joggers wishing to visit the park would need a pass.

The Bathurst Estate team - who own and manage the park - says the passes will support the restoration of the park's Broad Avenue and help fund general maintenance of pathways, woodlands, grasslands and monuments.

However, this contentious plan has been stopped in its tracks due to delivery delays as many residents have not received their passes yet.

Due to this ongoing issue, the estate says the automated gates will not be activated until these problems are resolved therefore residents will be able to continue walking in the park without needing a pass for now.

An email sent to pending passholders from the estate said: "We are aware of a delay in the delivery service and that you may not receive your pass ahead of Friday, March 15.

"We apologise for this delay.

"Please be assured we are rectifying the issue and your pass will arrive shortly. 
 
"While you wait, please continue to visit the park in the usual way. 

"We will not activate the automated gates until the delay is resolved.

"If asked by staff, please show any of your confirmation emails associated with your pass.

"Once arrived, your pass will contain a chip that opens four automated pedestrian gates during the park's opening hours.

"These are located at Cecily Hill, Barton Lane, off the Old Tetbury Road (leading onto Windsor Walk) and at the Caravan Club."

The estate also issued the following advice about how to use your pass when it finally arrives.

1. Place your pass in front of the card reader.
2. A light at the top of the card reader will turn green, the gate will click open.
3. The gate closes automatically behind you.

The protest organised by campaign group Right to Roam is still due to take place tomorrow to contest these changes.

Campaigner Jon Moses said anyone opposing the introduction of charges at Cirencester Park is invited to attend the demonstration which will start at 11am at the Cecily Hill entrance of the park tomorrow, Sunday, March 17.

Under the new entry rules, residents in the Cirencester area will need to pay a one-off £10 deposit for a community pass which will available for individuals and households in the following postcode areas - GL7 0, GL7 1, GL7 2, GL7 5, GL7 6 and GL7 7.

Those living outside of this area will need to pay £30 for an individual annual pass or £50 for a household pass.

Day passes will also be available for tourists, costing £4 for adults and £2 for children. 

Passes are available at bathurstestate.co.uk