Park update
Pedestrians who live near Bushy Park have spoken of the bad state of the pavements outside the park wall.
Parts of Sandy Lane road itself have recently been resurfaced but not the pavement – residents have pointed out that the visitors to the park who use the nearby bus stop, particularly elderly and those in wheelchairs or with buggys find it difficult to use the pavement.
A recent council survey highlighted that potholes and broken paths are two of the main concerns for residents so £500,000 is being invested in maintenance. Next weekend 21st and 22nd May 8-5 and 9-5pm respectively, road works will take place on Sandy Lane (possibly to involve pavement repair) – during this time the road will be closed westbound and one-way traffic only allowed towards Kingston.
Since Bushy Park’s Upper Lodge car park has been reduced in size and the unofficial ‘overflow’ parking area removed, visitors to the park have found a severe lack of parking spaces during the recent hot spell. At one point, almost a hundred cars were parked along the internal roads outside of the official car parks.
Royal Parks had also stopped traffic to Teddington Cricket Club except for grounds-staff but now reinstated this for the time being. Until now police had turned a blind eye to the unofficial parking but recently were seen issuing parking tickets to cars parked on grass areas.
Photos: John Thaxter
Recent rain may have helped plants and grass in the area but park-users are reminded to take care to prevent fires in Richmond and Bushy Park. Recently a fire broke out in Richmond Park risking wildlife and parkland but was brought under control by London Fire Brigade.
BBQ’s and fireworks are strictly prohibited in Royal Parks and smokers should take care where cigarette butts are discarded.
Applications for the the much-sought-after Royal Paddocks allotments in Hampton Wick were so high in recent years that the waiting list was closed down. This is now being reviewed again and those in Hampton Wick and South Teddington areas can apply. If you wish to be notified when the waiting list is re-opened you can request to be added to the list again – details here.