A coalition of councils could launch a bid to take control of Richmond Park, it has emerged.

Following the Government’s decision to axe the Royal Parks’ parking charge plan, Wandsworth Council revealed it was looking into a new scheme which would see Richmond Council assume responsibility for the day-to-day running of the park - supported by Wandsworth and Kingston councils, who would join them on a management board.

Wandsworth Council leader Edward Lister said: “The three boroughs adjoining the park would be in the best possible position to ensure that the park was well looked after in accordance with the wishes of the majority of its visitors.”

Putney MP Justine Greening said any move to localise the park’s management would be an “exciting opportunity” and a positive outcome in the parking charges saga.

She added: “I think what we’ve found with things like the parking charges fiasco is clearly the Royal Parks is too remote from the people who use the park.”

A spokesman for Richmond Council confirmed the authority was looking into the joint management idea.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport this week reiterated its intention to transfer management responsibilities for the Royal Parks to Boris Johnson and the Greater London Assembly in the near future. It is not yet known whether the Mayor would be open to the idea of the three councils running Richmond Park.

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