An opposition councillor has accused Richmond Council's Conservative administration of passing off Liberal Democrat plans as their own.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, opposition spokesman for education, claimed Lord True's party had merely picked up where his party left off in 2010 with its 10-year schools strategy.

The council lauded the opening of new buildings at Heathfield Junior School and Heathfield Nursery and Infant School as an important landmark.

Coun Roberts said: “When we left office in 2010 we left a massive, detailed primary expansion policy with £32m of funding to make it happen.

“The policy was so good that the Tories grabbed it with both hands and now pass it off as their own.

“The problem with their 10 year plan is that now as we enter the fifth year there's precious little coming down the pipeline.”

Council leader Lord True said: “Demand for primary school places is high across the capital and here in Richmond the situation is no different.

“The council’s 10-year primary school expansion strategy will ensure this proud tradition continues.”