Vincent Cable

Liberal Democrats | Twickenham

Hampton Court to Keep Garden Charges

Following a review of the 2004 season, the Hampton Court Palace authorities are to keep the new charges which, last year raised approximately £134,000, £96,500 net of expenses.  A tenth of all palace visitors, 42,000 paid to visit the Gardens on a day basis and 800 others – mainly residents – invested in season tickets.

The Palace authorities expressed themselves pleased with the extra income (more than their £75,000 target) which has been used for gardening; and say that behaviour has also improved.

Vincent Cable MP, who had campaigned against the charges, said that “many residents will be disappointed by the decision.  There are, probably, a lot of local people who would have visited the gardens but were put off by the charges.

“But I welcome the decision to freeze the charges in 2005 and especially welcome the indication that one of the changes I and others have been pressing for – late opening in summer evenings – may well be introduced.”