Teddington's Udney Park playing fields will be closing to the public tomorrow (1 September).

The privately-owned fields first opened to the public during the March lockdown.

Since then they have become a haven for local residents seeking a nearby space for dog walking and exercise.

But the fields' owners AHH (formerly Quantum) and a group leasing it, Teddington RFC, are now closing its gates.

A sign put up by the fields reads: "The former Imperial college Sports Ground is privately owned by AHH group Ltd (formerly Quantum) and access is restricted.

"Teddington RFC have leased approx 3.5 acres and through Tennis for Teddington provide acommunity access to the tennis courts.

"Over the past year, as part of its lease obligations, Teddington RFC has invested in boundary repairs and installed new gates to prevent unwanted site invasion to ensure better security for all.

"However, the pedestrian gates have been left open to enable local community use for dog walking, exrcise and general enjoyment during the periods of COVID lockdowns and associated restrictions.

"With lockdowns and associated restrictions having ended, the site will be closed to unauthorised public access with effect from September 2021

"Those wishing to access the tennis courts can do so on foot via the code-controlled pedestrian gate on Cromwell Road - for details please email [email protected] or for access details and bookings see: http:/www.clubspark.lta.org/TennisforTeddington.

"The car park and training pitch will be available for pre-booked group training and for other authorised and approved site use - please contact [email protected] for further details."

A local resident told Nub News it is "such a shame that Udney Park Playing fields will be closed to local dog walkers from 1 September, particularly as people have been assiduous about picking up the poo!

"It has been a fabulous amenity and allows dogs to get off the lead without the fear of chasing deer.

"The sculpting of paths through the grass and wild flowers has also been much appreciated."

This follows news that a community bid to buy Udney Park playing fields for use by residents has been rejected in favour of an alternative sporting bid.

Speaking at the time, bid leader Jonathan Dunn said: "I am hugely disappointed that a bid has been accepted within 4 days without any meeting or meaningful engagement with the community bid.

"I appreciate that it is the prerogative of the investors to accept an alternative bid but I believe that the community proposal was a generous one.

"It valued the fields in excess of a playing field valuation and It also provided AHH and their investors with an exit in line with the ethical and community values that the AHH website espouses.

"I guess at the end of the day this was always about money."

Read more about the community bid here