Markus Campbell-Savours, Labour Member of Parliament for Penrith and Solway, today brought the voice of his constituents to the House of Commons, formally presenting a petition calling on the Government to work with the National Trust to ensure the long-term viability of Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth.

The petition, which garnered over 1,200 signatures following a summer campaign led by the MP, highlights the Grade I listed birthplace of the poet William Wordsworth as a "vital" part of the nation's heritage, education, and local economy.

Speaking in the Chamber today, Mr. Campbell-Savours drew a parallel between the community's historic effort to save the house from a bus station plan years ago and the current need to secure its sustainability.

"The community in Cockermouth saved Wordsworth House from demolition many years ago," stated Mr. Campbell-Savours. "Over the summer, following concerns about its future, I launched a similarly worded petition, which attracted more than 1,200 signatures. That campaign secured a commitment from the National Trust that the facility would not close. However, the Trust has admitted that its long-term sustainability remains uncertain."

The core request of the petitioners presented to the House is clear:

“...to request that the House of Commons urge the Government to work with the National Trust to keep Wordsworth House fully operational and open to visitors.”

Mr. Campbell-Savours urged the National Trust to honour its commitment to collaborate with local businesses and the community to forge a sustainable future for the treasured site.

The Petition Text Declares:

"Wordsworth House and Garden, a Grade 1 listed national treasure, birthplace of poet William Wordsworth, is vital to our national heritage, education and local economy and its potential closure would be an incalculable loss..."

The MP concluded his presentation by stressing the cultural importance of the site, noting that its potential closure would be "robbing future generations of a direct link to a pivotal era of English literature and a key contributor to Cumbrian tourism."

You can watch the petition presentation here.