Stars oppose 'danger' park road

Mr Palin opposed any increase to vehicle access on the heath

Residents including actor Michael Palin and singer Suggs are protesting against plans to build a "dangerous" road on Hampstead Heath in north London.

The vehicle-only road would run along the east side of the park past a swimming pool and cricket pitch.

The City of London corporation said it would make the park safer by removing service vehicles from pedestrian paths.

But campaigner Ros Bayley said: "If this becomes a vehicle-only road they are likely to be much less careful."

'Precious space'

The corporation plans to build a road across the park from Gordon House Road, to run east before splitting to head north and to Highgate Road.

A new pedestrian path would also be built.

Members of the Say No To The Road campaign, including film director Ken Loach, organised a weekend protest on the park against the plan.

TV presenter and Monty Python star Michael Palin said: "The heath is a very precious space. It was created for the use of people rather than vehicles.

This is a modest and carefully-planned change that will enhance the heath for users Bob Hall, Corporation of London

"Any proposal to increase vehicle access anywhere on the heath compromises that original purpose."

But Bob Hall, chairman of the corporation's Hampstead Heath management committee, said: "Of course it would be better to have no vehicles on the heath at all - but that is not realistic.

"Some service vehicle access is necessary - the rubbish has to be carted away, the toilets cleaned, the trees and grass maintained."

Mr Hall added: "This is a modest and carefully-planned change that will enhance the heath for users."