GRAVES of Vic, Susie and other much loved pets owned by the last private owners of Cannizaro are to be restored to public view.

In the 1930s, the Wilsons created a cemetery (above) for several of their dogs beside a wall on the perimeter of the garden.

When the great storm of 1987 damaged much of the park, trees were brought down nearby and the graves were fenced off. They have since lain hidden in undergrowth, a dumping ground for soil and waste.

The Friends investigated restoring the site but this was resisted at first by Merton because of fears that the cemetery could become an uncontrolled burying ground for pets.

However, there has now been a change of mind and restoration is seen as a cost-effective project for the next financial year.

Merton’s Principal Parks Manager Sid Sullivan will consult the Royal Parks about how they obtain funding for their dogs graves.