HARINGEY residents are to be given a say about a major renovation scheme planned for Alexandra Park.

The trust which runs the park and palace are preparing a national Lottery bid to finance the programme.

It has drawn up a strategy for the future of the park, which is to be put to local residents in a public consultation starting today.

The strategy proposes many changes to the landscaping of the park, and the amenities within it.

And park users are being invited to fill in a detailed questionnaire to show what their priorities are.

The final plan will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund board in June.

The strategy proposes returning several areas to open parkland including the pitch and putt golf course and re-instating the dry ski slope.

The balance of open land and treecover would be adjusted, and tree cover reduced on the south slopes to improve views across the park.

Meanwhile nature conservation areas would be expanded under the strategy.

And sports facilities, including tennis courts, cricket and football pitches, and bowling greens, would be improved.

The future of the animal enclosure is uncertain. The strategy admits that "in its present form, everyone seems to be agreed that the enclosure is dismal."

Park users are to be asked whether they want it to stay the same, be expanded, or close altogether.

Other proposals include rebuilding the Grove Cafe and cleaning up and upgrading the boating lake and its amenities.

The plans will be on public display in Palm Court in Alexandra Palace from today until next Sunday.

Questionnaires can be obtained at the palace, and next Saturday the consultants who drew up the strategy will be available to discuss the plans with members of the public.

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