On Sunday 22 June an article appeared in the Cash and Property section of The Observer in connection with tenants on the Sherborne Estate in Gloucestershire. In response to the article the below letter has been sent to the paper for publication.

To the Editor

Lisa Bachelor’s article (June 22) gives a misleading impression of the National Trust’s relationship with our 4,000 house and cottage tenants, to which we attach great importance.

The example of a substantial farmhouse in Gloucestershire being vacated by 2 tenants, who had previously indicated a wish to leave, in order for a larger family to take over, is normal business for any estate. This restructuring involved 3 separate properties and had been discussed with all concerned for a number of months.

On occasion it is necessary for tenants to leave Trust property and decisions on this take all factors relating to the tenancy into account. Wherever possible we try and find alternative accommodation at a suitable property as, fortuitously, was the case here. For the Observer to claim credit for this while also criticising the Trust’s professional staff is disingenuous.

Brendan McCarthy
Director

The National Trust, Wessex Region
Eastleigh Court
Bishopstrow
Warminster
Wilts
BA12 9HW