FIVE of the borough's amenity groups have banded together to safeguard the future of a burnt out riverside pub which has stood empty, awaiting development, since a fire in 1994.

The Three Pigeons pub on Petersham Road was built in 1870 and was, for many years, a successful and popular pub.

The pub and its surrounding area are currently the subject of a planning application which was submitted in September last year and has not yet been determined.

The present owners are engaged on development of the site next to the pub but amenity groups say they have made no attempt to protect the building pending the outcome of the application.

In a joint statement to the council the five groups said: "The temporary coverings have rotted away, and the roof is open to the elements and to pigeons. An urgent repairs notice by Richmond Council seems to have been inexplicably delayed and we would urge the council to ensure that one is served immediately to avert further damage.

"It is particularly sad that this state of affairs should exist at a time when public attention is focused on Richmond Hill and its famous view by the work of the Thames Landscape Strategy through its Arcadia in the City proposals.

"All of the undersigned groups have lent support to these proposals and feel that this site represents a blight on them as well as being a sorry advertisement for the environmental policies of the borough of Richmond upon Thames.

The letter is signed by Angela Kidner, of the Environment Trust for RUT, David Church, Richmond Society, Vanessa Fison, Ham and Petersham Association, John Bell, Twickenham Society and Ron Berryman, River Thames Society.

A spokesman for the council said that they share the concern of the amenity groups over the condition of the Three Pigeons.

The council say they have been seeking to ensure the owners had measures in place to protect the building from rain.

The spokesman said: "Over the years these temporary measures have deteriorated and council has again been pressing for action to stop rain getting into the building.

"The local planning authority has received a planning application for the Three Pigeons Public House and adjoining building which are buildings of Townscape Merit. However this application has not yet been determined.

"The planning application is for the refurbishment of the former public house, demolition of adjacent building (85 Petersham Road) and erection of new building to provide a restaurant/bar, 10 flats and river related uses.

"It remains the owners' responsibility to ensure the building is not allowed to deteriorate and if necessary the council will serve a formal notice on the owners."

The owners declined to comment.