The Mayor of Westminster , Mr Hall Gutteridge performed the ceremony of opening the newly laid-out garden of Hanover Square to the public . For 200 years it has been the private retreat of the frontagers of the Square who have paid the full cost of restoring it and will retain the use of the square in the evening after it has been closed to the public. The Westminster Council will pay half the upkeep costs. Photo shows: The Mayor of Westminster , left , and the Mayoress and Mr J B F Satchell , Chairman of the Hanover Square Gardens Committee stroll through the gardens after the opening . 6 April 1949