The unveiling of a new heritage board in Twickenham, to celebrate musical legends who played on Eel Pie Island, has been overshadowed by protests from the Save Our Riverside group.

Councillor Helen Lee-Parsons, the Mayor of Richmond, was on hand along with a host of dignitaries, including the Ambassador for Chile, to unveil the new heritage board to commemorate the "musical legends" who had performed on Eel Pie Island.

The event was, however, overshadowed by some 200 protestors who took to Twickenham embankment to protest against Richmond Council's plans for the nearby former swimming pool site, including building an educational river centre and some new homes.

Sue Hamilton-Miller, from Save Our Riverside, said: "We are not here to protest against what's going on here, we fully support Eel Pie island and it's fantastic heritage.

"We want to see something positive happen with the other part of the river as well. We do not want a housing development on our Twickenham riverside."

Rick Williams, from The Twickenham Riverside Terrace Group, said: "Our protestors should be congratulated, they have been very calm on such an emotive issue."

The group planned in advance to hold a silent protest outside the Barmy Arms Pub, opposite the new heritage site, to express their opposition to the council's plans.

However, police were called to ensure the security of the event following the arrival of nearly 200 protestors.

The group succeeded in striking a nerve with the council, with a spokesman saying, "It's disappointing, we have given them [the protestors] every opportunity to have their say. This really isn't the right time or place."

Gina Way, one of the organisers of the new Eel Pie club, which was set up at the Cabbage Patch pub, London Road, Twickenham in 2000, said: "It's been a lovely event. It's a shame the protestors decided to act today. Nothing against their cause, but they have tried to hi-jack this event and it's not on."

Similarly, Neil Bryson, a former bar worker at the old Eel Pie club and a Twickenham resident, said: "I'm a sympathiser of their cause but I spent my youth on the island and it would be a great shame if anything were to take away from celebrating the music today."

Councillor David Trigg also voiced his concern, he said: "They have their views and they have a right to protest. But I think when they look at the overall benefits of our plans they will see our commitment to green open spaces."

Despite fears the plaque would have to be moved, Councillor Lee-Parsons cut the red ribbon to unveil the heritage board saying: "This is the most amazing of days in which we celebrate the musical legends of Eel Pie Island."

It marked exactly forty years since the Rolling Stones first played on the island. The board also commemorates the late Arthur Chisnall who owned the jazz club on the island in the 50's and 60's.

The island has played host to the likes of Eric Clapton, the Who and the Kinks.