• Failure of the Trust to consult with stakeholders (meaning NPS) on the CMP draft
• Failure to seek the approval of stakeholders (NPS) prior to the release of the CMP
• Failure to formally adopt the CMP prior to release
• Failure to advise of unresolved issues of ownership which should have been declared in the document (which could effect potential grant aid)
• Failure to declare a clear commitment to full restoration of the vessel to operational condition as circumstances allow
• The Trust's appalling attitude to volunteers from across the communities

This resignation is particularly worrying given the high profile position Mr. Aldsworth held - and points to the professional world now not having faith in the ability of the NCT to handle the restoration project correctly and sensitively.

Major Doubts

The NPS is greatly concerned over this recent course of action, as Mr. Aldsworth was employed specifically to inform the NCT on the potential of the ship and how they could bring it to fruition. The CMP is a set requirement of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to ensure that not only the right thing is done but also to ensure money isn't wasted.

For the NCT to be ignoring Mr. Aldsworth's years of experience and recommendations is not going to give the HLF confidence in the NCT to deliver a true world class historic steamship. Given recent reports into the lack of maintenance on the ship, the findings of the Audit Office report into financial concerns and inappropriate behaviour and the involvement of the Police regards artefacts, none of this paints a very good picture.

The NPS hopes that the NCT changes its view and works for the best interests of the ship solely – and for not for unrealistic government required deadlines to achieve a 'quick fix' by Nomadic's centenary.

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