Disease threat shuts Royal Parks

The deer have bloodlines dating back to Henry VIII

Three of London's Royal Parks will be shut from midnight on Sunday to stop foot-and-mouth disease spreading to historic deer herds.

The public will be banned from entering Richmond Park, Bushy Park and Hampton Court Home Park, all in south-west London, until further notice.

Restricted access will be granted to residents, but only through certain gates and they must use disinfectants before entering.

I understand the concern but, in my view, this is an over-reaction

Sir David Williams
Leader of Richmond-upon-Thames council

The Queen's cousin, Princess Alexandra, and the 400 pupils of the Royal Ballet School will be among Richmond Park residents who have to observe the conditions.

A Royal Parks Agency spokesman said the move was just a precaution.

"We feel we have to batten the hatches down to protect a treasured herd of deer," he said.

The deer herds have bloodlines dating back to the reign of Henry VIII.

The closure affects 10 gates at Richmond, with only the Roehampton and Ham gates remaining open to residents, and 12 at Bushy, where Hampton Hill gate will be in use for residents.

'Disruption'

Kingston Gate will be the only entry point for residents at Hampton Court Home Park.

Hampton Court Palace will remain open.

Richmond-upon-Thames council leader Sir David Williams said the closures were unnecessary.

"I understand the concern that many people will have about this disease spreading but, in my view, this is an over-reaction," he said.

Princess Alexandra lives in Richmond Park

"The consequent disruption caused to local residents and traffic generally cannot be underestimated."

The foot-and-mouth outbreak is also causing concern in the the racing world.

Some of its most senior figures are meeting in London on Monday to discuss the transport of racehorses during the outbreak.

Representatives from the Jockey Club, British Horseracing Board, the Racecourse Association and the National Trainers' Federation will meet with officials from the Animal Health Trust and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Although horses are not affected by the disease they can carry it.