A PLAN by the National Trust to improve its visitor centre in Newtown led to one of its volunteers resigning and others incensed amid concern for a mural installed there 20 years ago.

The trust has submitted plans to reorganise the interior layout of the building.

In it is a unique 'bird's eye view' mural of Newtown, commissioned by the trust in 1998 and painted by Freshwater Bay artist, Anne Toms.

Under the plans, the visitor centre could be relocated and the existing space divided into a meeting room and workshop, with the mural remaining in the proposed meeting room.

The plan, when first mooted with volunteers last September, was met with outrage, with 14 of them signing a letter opposing them, expressing particular concern for the protection of the mural from damage by being in a more enclosed space.

Eileen Hughes, of Rookley — a National Trust volunteer for ten years — was so incensed by the plan, she resigned as a helper.

"Two thousand years may separate them, but the mural is as much a part of the Island's heritage as the mosaic floors of Brading Roman Villa," she said.

"The proposed dividing wall will affect the viewing distance.

"It is wholly shameful that it may be sidelined in this insensitive manner."

Miss Toms, who specialises in sea and landscapes, alongside works illustrating bird life and habitats, many of which were National Trust commissions, said she was shocked by the proposal.

The trust's general manager for the Island, Tony Tutton, said the plans aimed to improve the visitor experience, but stressed the mural could still be viewed at any time.

"The mural is an important image and still has a purpose, but it's the great outdoors we are trying to promote," he said.

The closing date for comments on the plans is next Friday, February 16.