Boris Johnson has promised to retain the character of London’s green spaces when he takes control of the Royal parks. CHRISTINE FLEMING looks at what happens next

When Londoners want to escape the city, but don’t have time to go to the country many of them head to one of the capital’s eight royal parks – including Richmond and Bushy – for their wide open spaces and natural beauty

But what will happen when the control of these popular free parks passes from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to London Mayor Boris Johnson?

In Richmond Park on a sunny Tuesday afternoon, walkers Iris Moulton and Judy Shore were not convinced the power transfer would be a good thing.

Mrs Moulton said: “I don’t like the idea of the Mayor taking control at all, it is a royal park and should stay as it is.

“We don’t want Boris Johnson getting involved – he already has his fingers in so many pies.”

Mrs Shore added: “I think the parks are quite well run as they are and I think Boris has quite enough on his plate.”

But Simon and Ali Clark, whose two children enjoy outings at the royal parks thought it could make an interesting change.

Mr Clark said: “Boris Johnson is quite a creative character so it might make things a bit more interesting.”

The eight royal parks also include central London’s Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park with Primrose Hill and St James’s Park.

Run by the Royal Parks Agency (RPA) they are currently managed by the DCMS and in total cover 5,000 acres of historic parkland.

But Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose announced the Government intends to transfer responsibility for the parks’ management to Mr Johnson.

It is thought this will happen after the 2012 Olympics.

In the Government’s statement of intent, the Royal Park Agency (RPA) would become part of the Greater London Authority, which is the Mayor’s responsibility.

Mr Penrose said the change of management would make parks more accountable to the public, and would help establish clear links between how they are run and other London-wide issues such as planning, transport and tourism.

There is also the intention to introduce park champions who will voice users’ concerns and report back up the chain to the Mayor.

Mr Penrose said: “We believe the time is right to make the parks more accountable to the public, and to do so by passing responsibility for their continued success to the Mayor, rather than a remote figure in national Government.”

He added: “London’s royal parks are a real success story.

“They are a precious asset for Londoners and it is only right that local people – the parks’ everyday customers – have a full and proper say in their future.”

It was pledged the identity and character of the parks would not change and sensible safeguards against unsuitable developments and activities would be put in place.

Councillor Tony Arbour, London Assembly member for Richmond, welcomed the Government’s plan.

He said: “I am sure this change will only add to the pleasure the parks give.”

Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith said it would be a good move for the parks provided it was done sensibly.

He said: “It makes sense that whoever oversees the royal parks should be directly accountable to London voters. Democratic accountability is the best, and probably the only safeguard we have against unpopular proposals, like charging people for parking.

“However, the small print really matters as it is important that we get the structure right.”

Previously it had been suggested a coalition of councils, including Wandsworth, Kingston and Richmond, could take responsibility for the running of Richmond Park.

Speaking after the announcement, Richmond council leader, Councillor Lord True, said: “We would have hoped to take on control of the two royal parks in our borough, and have asked for it, but if this is not on offer from the Government, we will work with the Mayor.

“Whoever controls Richmond and Bushy parks, it is critical they remember the importance of these beautiful spaces in the daily lives of local people.”

Wandsworth and Kingston councils issued no comment and it is thought the DCMS would resist the idea of a council-run management board.

Local organisations said they were also keen to have a say and formed a Richmond and Bushy parks forum to provide input from the community on the proposals.

The forum has adopted a seven-point programme it is asking the Mayor to abide by to ensure effective and sustainable governance and funding of the parks, and to ensure local and national needs are reflected.