Tapton House belongs to the people of Chesterfield and should not be sold!

Tapton House belongs to the people of Chesterfield and should not be sold!

Started
18 June 2022
Signatures: 2,879Next Goal: 5,000
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Why this petition matters

Started by Di Treece

Tapton House in Chesterfield is a grade 2 listed Georgian mansion  set in beautiful grounds. It was GIFTED to the people of Chesterfield by Charles Markham with the proviso that the house as well as the park,  woodland and gardens surrounding it, should be kept for the education and enjoyment of the people of Chesterfield. Now the council wants to SELL it, going against the spirit of Charles Markham's gift.

George Stephenson spent the later years of his life at Tapton House and made a huge impact on the world. Charles Markham too was a well-known industrialist who was involved in many local and national projects and developments.

Our group, the Friends of Tapton House, wants the house to be used for the benefit of the people of Chesterfield, to be a place of historical interest to bring visitors to the town and to celebrate the achievements of George Stephenson and Charles Markham.

Chesterfield has very few historic buildings and we should treasure the ones we have. Not everyone wants 'new and shiny ' everywhere. Most people feel that historic buildings with the significance Tapton House has, should be cherished and become an asset for the community's benefit. Shiny, new offices won't attract visitors but heritage buildings will.

The house was a school for many years before Chesterfield College took it over but since they gave up the lease 3 years ago,it has stood empty. It's a fabulous building and could be used for so many community projects and activities.  And it would make a stunning wedding venue. 

Please sign our petition. We don't want the house to be sold off to a buyer who is then allowed to take a chunk out of the grounds for a private garden. 

Please ask everyone you know to sign the petition- Tapton House and Tapton park belong to the people of Chesterfield, not the council, and they should have the major say in the house's future. There are alternatives to selling which are financially viable and the council should consider those first.

Please take the time sign.

Thank you.

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Signatures: 2,879Next Goal: 5,000
Support now
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