in the park.  They wrote to the Council expressing their concern and suggested that the fence was totally unnecessary, an eyesore and should be removed.  Our committee discussed this issue and others, relating to the park, at a recent meeting and, as a result, I wrote a letter to the Council supporting the WHRA position and raising two other issues - the parking facility in the park during Wimbledon fortnight and the use of cars and bicycles in the park.

The parking facility was first established in 1986 and, at the time, it was agreed between the Council and local Residents that the surplus proceeds from this activity should be applied to the benefit of the park. The Council was required to obtain the agreements of local residents because of the existence of a covenant restricting the use of the park for commercial purposes. In the early years considerable surpluses were generated - in one year I understand as much as £54000.  Sometime in 1989/1990 it was proposed by the Council that some of the money be applied to the staffing costs in the park.  Since then the surplus seems to have diminished to such an extent that the car parking income does no more than cover the staffing costs.  In fact I understand that in the last financial year there was a deficit.

This was not the original intention of the agreement with local residents, or subsequently, and as a result we have said to the Council that unless the parking arrangement generates a reasonable surplus, which can be applied to the benefit of the park, we do not consider it is desirable to continue offering this facility.

A number of residents have expressed concern about the use of bicycles and cars in the park. Although it clear from the signs in the park that cycling is prohibited it is obvious to regular users that cyclists in the park are a regular feature.  We asked the Council to clarify whether they intend to keep this rule and enforce it or, if not, make proper provision for cyclists.  They replied to our letter but have failed miserably to clarify the position.  Therefore we will continue to pursue the matter.

We have also expressed our concern that an increasing number of car owners are driving into the park and parking as close as they can to the tennis courts and boat club rather than leaving their cars in the areas provided.  The Council has responded that they will 'actively discourage the use of cars within the park'

Generally we consider the combination of bicycles and cars moving around the park in an unregulated fashion to be, at the least, undesirable and potentially poses considerable danger to pedestrians, particularly the very young and the elderly
           Iain Simpson