THE Tolpuddle Martyrs court is opening its doors for the summer, despite guides going on strike.

The Old Crown Court and Cells are on the tourist trail for the summer in West Dorset District Council’s Stratton House headquarters.

Some blue badge tourist guides have refused to give guided tours of the historic attraction in a row with the local authority over pay.

But the council has found guides to lead tours during August and is offering free entry on Sunday, July 18, to co-incide with that weekend’s Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival.

Alistair Chisholm, who has 18 years experience as a blue badge guide, said: “We are not a radical bunch.

“We are quite even-tempered and conservative with a small c.

“We are loath to take direct action but what they are offering is well below the value for that which we offer.”

He added: “Why not just put up the price of the tours?

“Then the council can put more money into promotion. They can pay the guides more and get far more visitors.

“The court and cells are a highly important part of our history.”

The blue badge guides wanted their £26.26 for half a day’s work – two guided tours – upped to £50 but the council offered £30.

The council said that it spent around £1,500 a year subsidising the attraction because the admission charges did not cover costs.

District council leader Robert Gould said: “The Old Crown Court where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried is a great historic building in the heart of Dorchester.

“The guided tours are a great way to delve into the story of the 1834 Tolpuddle Martyrs trial.”

Guided tours will take place from August 2 to 31, Monday to Friday.

They start at 2pm and 3pm. The cost is £2.50 for adults and children under 16 go free.

The council is also hoping that the National Trust will take over the cells and court if its move to new offices goes ahead, but there has been no agreement yet.