Barnes Green is to become the borough's first dementia-friendly park following a consultation by Richmond Council.

Paths are to be resurfaced, more benches will be installed and access to the pond will be improved to help people suffering from dementia make their way around the park.

People suffering from the illness said they enjoyed the sense of freedom, being outside and that the experience is a relaxing one, according to feedback in the consultation held by Richmond Council.

Features such as distinctive entries and exits, 'way marked' routes, a meeting point and information sheets will also be developed from the feedback supplied, and are expected to be implemented by late spring next year.

The consultation is part of the wider project, Friendly Parks for All, which encourages everyone, including those with dementia, to enjoy their local parks and the benefits to their health from being outdoors.

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More benches will be included in the park for those with dementia

Richmond Council's cabinet member for environment, business and community, councillor Pamela Fleming, said: "By making out parks accessible to everyone we hope to offer opportunities that will improve the health and wellbeing of people with dementia so they can continie to enjoy our parks and open spaces.

"The council is grateful to local charities, FiSH and the Alzheimer's Society and their clients for the help with the consultation. These groups allowed us to understand the real barrier that people with dementia face as part of something simple as visiting the local park."

Melanie Cressey, coordinator of Richmond Dementia Action Alliance, said: "Taking action to make our parks more accessible is an important and meaningful aspect of creating a more dementia friendly borough, helping people living with dementia to connect with their communities and benefit from visiting the borough’s wonderful green spaces."