News in Richmond

Vehicles are not being allowed into Richmond Park today after a morning of heavy snowfall.

The Royal Parks, which manages Richmond's Royal Parks, said it was closing the gates to motorists.

Click through this photo gallery to see ten snaps of Richmond looking amazing in the snow.

Richmond became a winter wonderland this Sunday morning (January 24).

I have learned that the NHS expects to have all of our local care home residents vaccinated by this Sunday (January 24), and that this part of London has the highest number of over 80s vaccinated at 74%.

We are on track to complete the rollout to the first four groups on the JCVI list by February 14, as targeted. This will include everyone over 70, all health and care workers, care home residents and people on the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable list.

Those of you who visit the western side of Richmond Park may be aware that Royal Parks closed the toilets at Ham Gate in November. In conjunction with the local councillors for Ham I objected strenuously to this action and have written repeatedly to Royal Parks in the strongest terms, asking them to reverse this decision. Regular users of the park will know how important toilet facilities are, especially for older and disabled people.

So far Royal Parks has been adamant that the toilets must be shut for budgetary reasons. I understand that they have lost a huge amount of revenue due to the cancellation of public events last year, but I do not think this is the answer. I have joined forces with the local councillors in starting a petition calling on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to step in and insist that all toilets remain open, especially during lockdown when the park is in such heavy use.

Elisabeth Chapple, the police commander for the South West BCU which covers Richmond, Kingston, Wandsworth and Merton has called on everyone in the community to play their part in driving down Covid rates by following the rules and minimising contact with others.

Chief Superintendent Chapple said: "Everyone will understand the critical situation London, and especially the NHS is under, due to the high levels of Covid in our communities.

The leader of Richmond Council has given an update on the borough's response to Covid-19.

Cllr Gareth Roberts said 11 people died in the past week within 28 days of testing positive for the virus.

A motorist is set to appear in court over driving a van while disqualified in Richmond.

Trade and business vehicles are banned from entering the park and drivers can be given a £50 fine if caught.

This video slideshow shows the 22 bicycles Richmond Police want to reunite with their owners.

The bikes were recovered after a teenager was arrested.

Residents at Lynde House Care Home, by Richmond Bridge celebrated International Flower Day on January 19.

International Flower Day promotes the psychological boost that flowers can give to people. From growing and nurturing plants and flowers, to gifting flowers to show love and appreciation and sometimes just the simple act of admiring their beauty – flowers have the power to make someone's day.

Secure bike hangars have arrived in six streets across the borough.

Richmond Council said the locations were selected following requests and consultation with residents.