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Richmond Park Debate

09 February, 2001 In a shock move last night Conservative councillors failed to vote against plans to close Richmond Park. Despite all the hype over the last few months when it came to the crunch a majority of Kingston's Conservative Councillors failed to vote against closing the Park to through traffic at peak times.

Liberal Democrat Councillors last night proposed an amendment to the councils statement designed to find a constructive way forward between the RPA and Kingston. The amendment which found support in all Parties stated to the RPA that Kingston in conjunction with other neighbouring boroughs would be willing to discuss the possibility of seeing the "more acceptable elements of the original 1996 report by Dame Jennifer Jenkins" trialed over the summer in consultation with local residents and park users.

Commenting on the debate Liberal Democrat Environment Overview Chair and Mover of the Amendment said

"It is extremely disappointing that the Conservative Leadership failed to demonstrate a united front from the Council against closure to through traffic at peak hours. As a local authority 

we must demonstrate both our support for local residents and their needs as well as balancing this with our responsibility towards our environment and traffic reduction which the whole council has signed up to."

Editorial:  It is interesting that the Conservatives appear to be misrepresenting other parties views.  In fact:
  • The Jenkins report was signed off by the then Conservative Minister.
  • Liberal Democrats do not support shutting the park
  • The Council amendment states that the closure of Pens Ponds Car Park would only be considered when reliable public transport systems are introduced from perimeter car parks to this and other locations within the park
  • It is interesting that it has become very difficult for Kingston Council to now talk openly with the Royal Parks Authority.  Liberal Democrats had suggested at an early stage that the council should approach the RPA in open dialogue to obtain a good deal for the residents around the park and the users of the park.  However the Conservative approach of open confrontation, while it has created a lot of publicity for them, has brought about a loose loose situation for local residents.
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