The majority of South Carriage Drive in Hyde Park will be closed between 14th March and 30th June this year. The closure extends from Edinburgh Gate to Prince of Wales Gate for the duration.

Traffic planning to use South Carriage Drive during this period will need to divert on to Knightsbridge or find alternative routes.

The closure is related to the renovation works to the stables at Hyde Park Barracks. The barracks are home to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, which provides the permanent Queen's Life Guard at Horse Guards and plays a major role in Trooping the Colour, State Visits and other ceremonial events that attract tourists from around the world.

The �6 million revamp will bring the Household Cavalry's stables up to current and necessary standards for animal welfare and health & safety. For the last eight months 120 horses have been living in temporary stables on the side of South Carriage Drive but the major summer ceremonial season requires all the Regiment's 240 horses and thus the extension of the temporary stables onto the road. The alternative of extending the temporary stables further into the park has been considered but would mean concreting over significant grassed areas and cutting down dozens of important trees.

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Notes to the Editor:

Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of carefully conserved historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital.

The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park.