Supporters of a historic attraction remain concerned about its future, despite a council’s insistence it remains committed to the site.

Essex County Council (ECC) has performed a U-turn over plans to slash opening hours at Cressing Temple, but its visitor centre and tearoom will only ever open for site hire events by prior arrangement.

Essex Society for Archaeology and History member Elphin Watkin claimed he already knew of two groups which had cancelled trips to the site because of an alleged lack of clarity about the facilities available and he fears many others will follow suit.

ECC said a number of big events were already planned for the year.

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