The rapid growth of a successful Thames River sculling club has spurred the long-awaited launch of a study aimed at fixing traffic problems on riverside pathways.

After years of lobbying, Dukes Meadows Trust has succeeded in getting a transport and access study of the public park in Chiswick Riverside.

A fortnight ago, a bid by Tideway Scullers to erect a much-needed second boathouse was put on hold by Chiswick area planning committee after members realised access issues needed to be resolved first.

Tideway Scullers, Britain's leading sculling club, needs the new building because the club's existing boathouse is simply not big enough and a number of boats are currently stacked under Chiswick Bridge.

Congestion causes frustration for pedestrians and cyclists using the park's riverside paths and parking is also a problem.

Paul Davis, a trustee of Dukes Meadows Trust, said the access study is needed so improvements can be made to the layout of the park which is heavily used by sport and leisure groups and the public.

He said: "Tideway Scullers, albeit unwittingly, causes access problems for other users of the meadows, particularly on the section of Thames path that runs near the boat house.

"The cars and trailers that are frequently parked across the recently laid path make it difficult to use and impossible for anyone in a mobility scooter."

Dukes Meadows was established as a park nearly 90 years ago. In spite of rises in traffic over the decades, changes have never been made to the basic layout of roads and junctions.

The study will be carried out by consultants Peter Brett Associates. There will be a public consultation meeting on Wednesday, February 13, at 7pm at Dukes Meadows Community Centre (located at the far end of Alexandra Gardens).