"Ridiculous" - an open letter to Cumbria County Council

Occasionally I become a tourist. My dear old Mum hadn't been to the Lakes for over 15 years, so I was looking forward to showing off the spectacular countryside in all its glory to her. After a long drive up from Bournemouth the 89 year old lapped up a splendid afternoon tea, followed closely by dinner, and slept well in one of our new ground floor rooms.

After breakfast we set off for the TEST, what I consider to be The Essential Short Tour; Ferry across Windermere - Hawkshead - Tarn Hows - Coniston - Skelwith Bridge - Great Langdale - Red Bank to Grasmere - Rydal - Ambleside - Bowness and then back to Linthwaite. It's only about 27 miles in all but can take all day as you stop frequently to get out and gaze in awe.

 

The first experience of Lakes Hospitality for her, after Linthwaite of course, was the ferry across Windermere. No, we didn't have the right money. So what? We/I were called "ridiculous" by the man collecting the fare. The man, who is indirectly employed by Cumbria County Council. To whom we pay our taxes. Whose job rests on tourism. Less cars less revenue. So why on earth does he seem to think he can insult people?

 

Shame on you Cumbria County Council for not ensuring that the ones who are supposed to be nice to tourists, are trained to understand that every contact with every tourist can, in the end, influence the amount of money they have to spend.

 

Good job Mum is partially deaf!

 

Ridiculous.