Access boost for Pools on the Park

4.56.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 3rd Feb 2008

Direct public transport access to one of the borough's major sports and leisure facilities - Pools on the Park - has moved a significant step closer after Richmond Council approved plans for bus access last week.

The scheme will include improvements to the A316 to allow safe access by buses, a bus waiting area, a dedicated drop-off point for school coaches, upgraded lighting, and CCTV, together with tree planting. The project was approved by the Planning Committee on Thursday. The Council has been working closely with London Buses, and various other organisations, including the Crown Estate, to achieve the transport link. London Buses have agreed to extend an existing route to the sports venue, the details of which are currently being discussed with the Council. London Buses will fund the scheme.

Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, Cllr David Trigg, said: "There will be direct public transport access to Pools on the Park for the first time. This is tremendous news. We have been working closely with London Buses on this for some time and we are delighted there is a positive outcome. It is Council policy to increase public transport access to our sports and leisure facilities at every opportunity and this is a classic example of the kind of improvement we are seeking. We will continue to work closely with the transport authorities to secure other similar improvements elsewhere in the borough."