CAMPAIGNERS have criticised Derbyshire County Council for celebrating 40 years of owning Elvaston Castle country park – despite looking to dispose of the building itself.

The authority will celebrate the landmark with a free family fun day in the park on June 20, featuring attractions such as birds of prey and chainsaw sculpting.

But the Friends of Elvaston Castle, which is battling to keep the castle in public hands, claim the move shows the authority's policy on the attraction is inconsistent.

The county council wants to see the castle and gardens leased to developer Highgate Sanctuary, which would then lease the gardens back to the authority.

It says the move is necessary to save the taxpayer an estimated £3 million in repairs and £500,000 running costs a year.

Highgate Sanctuary wants to turn the castle into a hotel and build a golf course but has yet to submit a planning application to South Derbyshire District Council.

But the Friends want the castle returned to a fully-operational tourist attraction and fear that public access to the grounds will be reduced.

A group spokesman said: "There doesn't seem to be any balance in the county council's approach when it continues to pursue the disposal of the park while at the same time celebrating its existence.

"This is especially in view of the fact that the castle – the jewel in the park's crown – will no longer be accessible to the public should the Highgate Sanctuary deal go through.

"We would find it easier to encourage the celebrations if it was clear what the motives were behind them. Does the council have another agenda?"

A county council spokeswoman said the Highgate plans would not stop any access to the country park.

In reply to the Friends' points, she said: "The event has been planned to celebrate 40 years of free public access to a fantastic country park and to give local families a fun day out."

The day of celebration from noon to 5pm will feature willow weaving, pole lathe turning, story-telling workshops, tree climbing demonstrations, Viking re-enactments, dancing, chainsaw sculpting, birds of prey, a pet's corner and the chance to learn how to make herbal potions and grow vegetables.

Visitors who want to go on a guided tour of the gardens will be asked to donate £1.

Elvaston Castle Country Park was the first country park to be acquired by the county council.

Together with the Derby Corporation, the authority bought the castle and more than 200 acres of surrounding woodland, parkland and gardens.