The Royal Parks Agency has unveiled proposals to improve golf facilities in Richmond Park.

In her report on park management, Dame Jennifer Jenkins said the existing golf building at Roehampton Gate was "a mess".

A new building at Chohole Gate is being proposed in line with her recommendations while the present prefab buildings at Roehampton Gate are to be demolished.

Golf management companies will be invited to bid to manage the golf courses.

Direct access off the A3 is designed to reduce traffic coming into the park, especially in the early hours of the morning when golfers want to start playing.

The Royal Parks said: "The Chohole nursery site is currently in a poor state, with derelict greenhouses overgrown with brambles.

"It is hoped that residents overlooking the nursery will enjoy the large areas of well-maintained grass of a practice area interspersed with trees and shrubs."

Doug Reynolds, chairman of the Friends of Richmond Park, welcomed the plan. He said: "It will reduce traffic in the park and get rid of the club buildings which are an old eyesore."

And Ted Duffield, chairman of the Association of Richmond Park Golf Clubs, agreed: "I am pleased that golfers will have a brand new building and good facilities.

"We have been pressing the park management for ages about this."

The Royal Parks' proposals are now on display at the Roehampton cafeteria.

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