Sir – I must respond to the letters from Edward Davies and the Save our Riverside Group ("Council disregards the public’s need for riverside open space", September 26).

The scheme currently being developed by the council is precisely for a significant improvement to the open space on Twickenham Riverside with a River Centre to be run by the Environment Trust.

There will also be a playground and cafe.

This will be paid for by allowing a small development of houses and flats equivalent to around 15 houses (or possibly more if planning policies require smaller units).

We have been determined not to overdevelop the site. If one looks at the whole area, the footprint of the housing development, including gardens, is around 19 per cent and the River Centre is about nine per cent.

This site has been vacant since 1980 and this proposal is the best opportunity we have had to create a fantastic amenity for Twickenham with an outstanding public area beside the river.

It will also help to revitalise Twickenham by bringing a steady flow of visitors to the River Centre and to the Riverside, who will spend money with local businesses.

The Conservatives opposed the Richmond riverside development in the 1980s and now praise it in their leaflets as an example of how the riverside should be developed.

COUNCILLOR SERGE LOURIE
Leader of Richmond Council