A couple is claiming the Bermuda National Trust is shooting itself in the foot preventing them from opening a tea room in a historic home.

Architect Mr. Maurice Terceira and his wife Mrs. Penny Terceira claim they are stunned the Trust has not offered them a long-term lease at Springfield in Somerset.

And they are amazed that the Trust is not willing to offer them better terms as they are willing to invest $100,000 in the project.

But the Trust has fired back stating that its expectations and those of the couple are "poles apart''.

Spokesman Mr. Bob Duffy said the controversy had put the Trust in an embarrassing position and regretted any support it may have lost.

Mr. Terceira said: "This has been going on for two years and we want to know why we have been given such a difficult time. Springfield is in urgent need of major repairs and restoration now.'' The property has been vandalised and recently Trust Director Ms Amanda Outerbridge said she estimated it would cost $800,000 to carry out necessary repairs.

Both the Department of Planning and the National Trust council had given permission for a tea room but it all depended on a lease by the Trust's properties committee.

Mr. Terceira said the investment of $100,000 meant they were looking for a fairly long lease and had agreed to four years, with a further option of four years. But they asked that the Trust paid for electrical alterations and the widening of an entrance to the property.

He said: "These are things that we cannot take away with us. We were willing to pay for repairs and the fitting of a washroom and kitchen because they would be part of our plans.'' The National Trust Properties Committee is on record agreeing to the four years and the option of a further four. But the decision then went to the National Trust Council and it only agreed to four years.

Saying he had not been able to discuss this decision, Mr. Terceira added: "We are willing to put $100,000 into this project and yet they will only offer us a four year lease.'' His wife added: "This is a dream for me to open this tea room. It would be the perfect use of Springfield. The Trust want to open up the neighbouring nature reserve and what could be better than visiting the reserve and then stopping for refreshments in the tea room.

"This is what is required to get people into Springfield and to get people to appreciate the place.'' Mr. Terceira also stressed that he sat on the National Trust Properties Committee for 10 years and his company Terceira & Leitner Associates had won commendations for its work from the Trust.

Trust Horticultural Officer, Mr. Duffy said: "The Trust has been in a series of negotiations with Mr. and Mrs. Terceira for a considerable period of time.

"It would seem that the expectations of both parties are so far apart that it is unlikely that we will enter into any agreement on the lease for Springfield.

"If in the process of negotiations we have lost some very good Trust friends and supporters we find that regrettable.

"The Trust is in something of an embarrassing position. It has negotiated in good faith but for a number of reasons we do not find ourselves in a position to be able to enter into a lease with Mr. and Mrs. Terceira on this matter.'' Mr. Duffy said there are a number of factors that have decided the Trust's position, one being the present inability to determine when and how it can rennovate the building.

He said: "The sticking point is the amount of money that would have to be spent in return for the period of lease that the Trust can offer. We are poles apart on what is expected.'' STORM IN A TEA ROOM -- Mr. Maurice Terceira and Mrs. Penny Terceira outside Springfield where they hoped to open a tea room.