Sir – In the ongoing debate about the future of Twickenham riverside it is sometimes forgotten that the riverside, including the site of the old swimming pool which has been fenced off from the public for many years, is, or rather could be, the greatest possible asset for Twickenham town.

Open it up, fund its restoration with amenities and activities that will attract the public, and the economy and profile of the town will be immeasurably enhanced.

The list of possibilities is long and includes, as well as the playground, cafes, a restaurant, open air markets of all kinds, flower shows, theatrical and musical performances, perhaps a winter skating rink, and, yes, a river centre.

But sell it to a developer for private luxury housing that will by definition exclude the public, and the problems of Twickenham town, which include bottle-necked traffic, crime, and competition with Richmond and Kingston, will only get worse.

And the river centre, which the present council touts as justification for its enabling development, will be squeezed between the private houses and a road to bear the extra traffic generated by the development.

How much more successful it would be if it were part of a welcoming and vibrant riverside where people of all ages and income brackets could relax, enjoy themselves and take part in complementary activities.

SHEILA HALE
Montpelier Row
Twickenham