The princely couple of the United Kingdom will soon move in to Forest Lodge, a house estimated at 18.5 million euros. To guarantee their safety, a perimeter of almost 3.7 kilometers will be set up, with fences, cameras and reinforced patrols. This exceptional system, justified by their status, nevertheless disturbs the lives of immediate neighbors.
Two families living nearby have already been forced to move. Their houses, located in old stables transformed into housing, were rented by the Crown Estate, manager of royal properties.
But beyond the expulsions, it is the establishment of a much larger “prohibited zone” that raises criticism. A widely used car park and a portal giving access to a park appreciated for the promenade were closed. “A large parking lot as well as a portal giving access to a magnificent walk park were definitely closed a few days ago,” said residents in The Mirror. « If we still try to go, we are now likely to be arrested. »»
For more than twenty years, this park has been frequented daily by residents, especially to walk their dogs. From now on, access is prohibited to them, even though they participated in its maintenance up to 125 euros per year.
« To hear us say, overnight, that it is no longer allowed, it is a hard blow, ”says a resident. “I have to take the car to find a farm where I can walk my dog. »»
Despite frustration, some residents are conciliatory. Tom Bunn, 32, sums up the state of mind shared by part of the neighborhood: “It is frustrating, because my dog loves this place. But I fully understand that William and Kate need a safe home for them and their children. For me, they are welcome here. »»
Another neighbor abounds in this direction: “It is obvious that William never asked that our parking lot is withdrawn. What matters to him is their security. »»
