TONGE: "BRING ON THE HORSES"

11.20.56pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 2nd May 2003

Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, has written to Sir Denys Henderson, First Commissioner and Chairman of the Crown Estate, asking for an explanation for the cancellation of Richmond Horse Show, after receiving complaints from angry local horse-lovers.

"I understand from Richmond Council that objections from the Crown Estate were behind the cancellation of this year's Horse Show," the MP said. "and I want to know what those objections are."

"It is such a popular event, not only with horse riders, but with many local people and I cannot believe it causes enough damage to warrant cancellation.

"I have asked Sir Denys to reassure me that a compromise can be reached with the organisers to ensure that next year's Richmond Horse Show can go ahead."