RESIDENTS flocked to a public meeting in Teddington to discuss The Royal Parks' ideas for the £4.5 million restoration of Bushy Park. Afterwards, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Twickenham Paul Maynard said: "I strongly welcome the plans that I and the local residents have seen tonight. Bushy Park is a hidden jewel of London's park lands and deserves to be given an overhaul.

"I did, however, seek an assurance over the possibility that once the Water Gardens had been renovated the Royal Parks might impose an entrance charge, just as has been occurring at Hampton Court.

"If this occurred it would be a betrayal of local residents."

A spokesman for The Royal Parks was surprised by this concern. He said: "There is no suggestion, and never has been, that any part of any Royal Park would charge an entrance fee! This is not what the parks are about and never will be."

Paul Maynard also voiced concern about the possibility of a cafeteria in the woodland gardens and what provisions would be made for the Old Brew House, an English heritage building in the park.

The Royal Parks added: "The possibility of a caf was only mentioned as part of plans for improving accessibility for disabled people, which would include toilets and possibly a small caf.

"But it's all just ideas at present, nothing has been decided. As with the Brew House, there are lots of options and we're finding out what people want it to be used for."

He added: "Essentially this is positive thing and it's all about restoring the park to its beautiful and natural condition. It's a fantastic opportunity for residents because we are getting out there and consulting them about it."

Anyone interested in contributing to discussions on the Bushy Park Restoration project can contact Catherine Mukhopadhyay of The Royal Parks on 020 8979 1586 ext 225 or email cmukhopadhyay@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk