Cable Secures debate over New Park Charges

12.00.00am GMT Wed 19th Nov 2003

Vincent Cable secured a debate in parliament on Tuesday morning to challenge the culture minister, Tessa Jowell, over the decision to allow the Royal Palaces to charge for entry to the formal gardens of Hampton Court.

Under pressure from residents and local MPs (Vincent Cable, Edward Davey (Kingston) and Ian Taylor (Esher)), the Palaces have made several concessions:

• the Tiltyard and Wilderness will remain open, free of charge

• a new access route from Hampton Court Road to Home Park through the Paddocks for those who wish to walk in Home Park

• a season ticket system (£20 per adult; £50 per family)

Vincent Cable said: "There will be some relief that the proposals are not as draconian as were once feared and the residents groups have put up a formidable defence working with the MPs. But a tradition of free access for 165 years, honoured by governments for generations in respect for Queen Victoria's legacy, has been broken. Thousands of residents who enjoy the walks in the gardens and regard it, in part, as compensation for the inconvenience caused by traffic at Palace events like the flower show, will be very disappointed. I hope to persuade the minister to have a fresh look at the proposal, particularly the very steep charges for season tickets".