MP Asks Minister To Re-think Robin Hood Gate Decision

10.15.48am GMT Fri 14th Jan 2005

Dr Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, has written to the Rt Hon the Lord McIntosh of Haringey, the Minister with responsibility for the Royal Parks Agency at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

In her letter the MP pleads for careful consideration to be given to the residents of Queens Road, Liverpool Road and Crescent Road and the other roads near to Kingston Gate when the Minister is considering whether to endorse the RPA's decision to confirm the permanent closure of Robin Hood Gate.

The decision has angered local residents and is being fought by both Richmond and Kingston councillors.

Jenny Tonge said: "The effect of the closure of Robin Hood Gate has been a 50% rise in peak period traffic in the roads surrounding Kingston Gate. This has made the lives of local residents very difficult and I have asked the Minister to think very carefully before he simply rubber-stamps the RPA's decision. The roads in Richmond Park are part of the local road network and the funding for the RPA must reflect this."