Locals are petitioning for free access to Hampton Court Palace.

The petition, Reopen Hampton Court Palace Gardens – Return our free access, already has over 11,000 signatures.

Speaking about the petition, the petition starter, Patrick Wylde said: "In 1838, Queen Victoria opened the gates of Hampton Court Palace to all her subjects.

"Visitors from near and far quickly flocked to the stunning gardens and, by 1881, over ten million visitors had the pleasure of attending this wonderful landscape, with the journey made much easier courtesy of the arrival of Hampton Court station in 1849.

"Fast forward 184 years, and the gates are firmly shut to anyone without subscribed membership. At present, visitors have to pay £59 for single annual membership, £116 for annual family membership or £25.30 per adult for a single all-access ticket.

"In 2016, over 9,000 people backed a campaign to reverse a decision by Hampton Court Palace to deny free access to the gardens during the winter months. And now we're calling on Historic Royal Palaces AGAIN.

"We're asking Historic Royal Palaces to install free access to the gardens or negotiate cheaper concession to visitors during the winter season.

"NOW MORE THAN EVER, people need open spaces to clear their heads and spend time outdoors with family and friends.

"Please join our campaign to RE-OPEN THE GARDENS AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE and sign our petition."

You can sign the petition here.

Currently, access to the palace is only free for members, and costs between £28 and £30 for adult non-members, £15 for children aged five to 15 and young persons aged 16 – 17, and £22 - £24 for students, seniors, and disabled concessions.