The Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom, Don Valley – Nick Fletcher, raised the issue of opening up all three mansion houses to the public for six days a week in Parliament. The United Kingdom is home to only three mansion houses in the country: London, York and Doncaster.
The MP said that most people are unaware of it as nobody is shouting about it and added, “I have raised this in Parliament. It’s so important we Speak Up, Doncaster.”
He said that he wants the Mayor to accept that the Mansion House should remain open to the public for six days a week from Monday to Saturday (9 am to 5 pm).
MP Nick Fletcher added that the one in London could be visited, and tours for the same are available. The Mansion House in York can be seen on five days out of 7, but the Mansion House in Doncaster allows the public only one day a month, which is 12 days a year, i.e. 3.3%.
“That means it’s shut to us all for 96.7% of the year. Not great. This is good news though, as until now they had closed it to the public,” added the MP.
“What a shame we don’t open our doors to this amazing building to the public. Why aren’t we taking schoolchildren around so they can see why we should all have civic pride and love our City? We have so much history. Let’s make sure all our children know it and take pride in Doncaster,” highlighted MP Fletcher.
The Mansion House was completed in 1749, just a few decades before the Declaration of Independence in the USA. Before then, there was a Carmelite Friary established in 1350.
“Dimming our street lights and taxing our green bins is not the answer. Our Council needs proper leadership and a plan. Leadership with a clear vision. Investment in our future and our economy is the way forward,” the MP added.
He said that the children in Doncaster would take the price in their town and added, “It will pay dividends. Let me give you one example. I’m talking Jobs, Opportunities and Careers. How many people do you know who have left Doncaster? We’ve seen too many fractured families. When our children leave Doncaster, it’s not that easy as a grandparent to help out when they have children.”
“So let’s make our Mansion House famous! It’s fit for a King. It’s where our City status was royally conferred on us by King Charles III. Let’s enjoy our history and be proud of who we are and what we have. Onwards and upwards,” concluded Nick Fletcher.
