Belvoir Castle has hit back at criticism over the parking charges it has controversially introduced at the castle and the Engine Yard.

Local social media sites serving Grantham and the Vale of Belvoir have been abuzz in the past week or so, when parking notices were erected at the premises.

This week and last week, Nub News sought comment from Belvoir Castle about the issue.

Yesterday, the castle posted the following statement on Facebook: "To all of our lovely Engine Yard & Belvoir Castle Visitors

"We are currently implementing parking charges to our two main car parking areas, Belvoir Castle Ticket Office and Engine Yard Visitor Car Park.

"This decision was not taken lightly but was made with the intention to provide a better car parking and visitor experience to our loyal customers.

The statement continued: "Over the last year it has been brought to our attention that our parking situation really needed improving for the safety of our community, visitors and staff.

"Therefore, part of the recently implemented charges will go straight towards the upkeep of our site; fixing potholes, maintaining signage & fencing, landscaping, litter collection, keeping the nearby roads safe and maintaining public facilities at both our ticket office and Engine Yard retail village.

"Additionally, we plan to extend our parking areas and implement parking bay mapping throughout, which the charges will also go towards.

"We of course welcome our local community to enjoy our nearby walks, picnic in the surrounding area and enjoy the wonderful scenery that Belvoir has to offer, but we also want to ensure that car parking space is available at busy times for customers who visit to enjoy all of our facilities and support our independent shops & businesses.

"Importantly, we truly value our local customers that 'pop in' to pick up click & collect orders, weekly essentials, last minute presents etc which is why we are offering an hour free parking and only charging after 2 hours.

"The charges are as follows:

1 hour - free,

2 hours £2.00

3 hours £3.00

+4 hours £4.00

24hours £25.00" The statement added: "We hope you find these charges reasonable and that you continue to enjoy our wonderful little village!" However, many members of the public remain unconvinced. Sonja Rata said: "No won't be visiting any more then sadly. Your prices in the shops are as inflated as your car park charges. How to ruin a nice attraction. You should be helping people and encouraging visitors in these trickly times. Bye from us." Gemma Greaves posted: "I go there a lot. Sadly this will mean I no longer exceed an hour visit and won't spend as much there as a result. It seems very expensive to me when people are trying to recoup costs of coronavirus. "Not a great way to encourage people to shop small and local in my opinion and I don't think it's justified given Belvoir Estates revenue from lots of various enterprises. Seems a poor way to repay the local community for continued support and repeat visits." Kim Sorsky said: "How short sighted. And what a kick in the teeth to the tenants of the businesses, who are trying their best to recoup lost income after Covid. "Most people will now nip in for an hour and not browse and potentially spend more money. Shame on you duchess, not a community minded decision. Only suits you." However, Mike Jennings said: "Paying a quid or two for parking won't stop me visiting to be honest - I'm looking forward to visiting again! A modest parking charge isn't a large price to pay to visit such a nice spot. "To be honest I think it's sad that so many people are willing to forego visiting so many good traders because of such a tiny change. Use it or lose it!" Among the traders, Cafe Allez, who run a coffee van, have defended the charges. Owners Mark Trevarthen and Claire Fretwell said on Facebook : "We know the forthcoming parking charges at Belvoir have been controversial and thanks to those who've expressed concern about the potential impact on our business. "Just to give Cafe Allez!'s perspective: we've loved the ability to offer customers and visitors alike unlimited free parking in the past, but we also have to pause and consider Belvoir's position. "For one thing, there's a significant cost to provide the car park. It was extended a couple of years ago: serious investment!. The toilet block has to be cleaned, re-stocked, maintained. The lawn is mown often. Security provisions have to be put in place – which will now be enhanced; litter has to be collected and processed and fences have to be repaired. "Also, thanks to the pandemic, we lost 6 weeks of trading along with most of our Summer Van Henri bookings, but it's a matter of public record that Belvoir's losses from this crisis are on a whole different scale. Events, weddings, Castle visits: all lost." They added: "On balance: we get it! – and for Belvoir to be sustainable for generations of us to enjoy, costs have to be covered. We hope you'll agree that the 1 hour free period (7 days a week) will help for most visits, and if 2 of you come to visit, £2 each to park safely and securely all day and enjoy all that Belvoir has to offer feels like a reasonable deal."