"So who’s digging up Hampton  Court Road today then?"

"Thames Water have gonee today - I hope they are finished or is this just a brief respite?"

"Just measured it, via Beards Hill is significantly longer. If you class 1 metre as significant ;)"

"For info - Given the council is now are repairing the gates, I have asked to open the opposite gate for pedestrian use, so people are not walking onto our land in the future to gain access to the library. I have also raised the issue regarding…"

"As stated above a mild inconvenience is much preferred than an injury to a child or elderly person. Safety is everyone's responsibility, not just the council mate.  "

"Well that explains the how’s and why’s and hopefully the gates will be fully restored and back in working order and no one has been hurt. However, the detour is significant when walking to the station and is inconvenient and it is the…"

"Thanks Matt - That’s really helpful context. I walked past this morning and can indeed confirm the gate is in bits and very much open (as in no longer a gate). Sorry to hear you nearly copped it in its death throes. No-one’s casting…"

"Hi, I own the The Lodge and we notified the council months ago of the deteriorated gates and the danger they pose to pedestrians (esp school children) who use the gates. Yesterday some workers came to tac-weld the panels below and only tac’d…"

"Really appreciate your help Matt. I wonder what the issue is and who actually owns the land. If it’s the council I’m sure our esteemed local councillor will able to answer all our questions! I’ll enquire at the Library on Saturday…"

"And just in from Richmond Libraries: "The path from Hampton Library, via The Lodge, to the A308, Upper Sunbury Road, will be closed until further notice. We'll let you know when it reopens. Please use the Beard's Hill path in the…"

"Hi Alan - a few bits and bobs: The Richmond Libraries twitter account has replied saying "Works are still ongoing, best to avoid this area at the moment." This didn't specify what works, and I've asked them to confirm the gates…"

"Thanks for your help Matt. Alas the gates are still padlocked and the gatehouse is now up for let and I think it’s not occupied. I suspect it’s an attempt to prevent use by the public and I would expect this to be a designated right of…"

"Alan - The council has replied that the gate is looked after by the library, and the request to remove the padlock was passed to them."

"Not as yet Alan but I have chased. Have you been past the gate recently?"

"Matt - any response from the council?"