Walking the open river bank from Richmond to Twickenham is a pleasure and a joy.

But it is no longer possible to walk further, for, over the years, previous councils have allowed developers to close off and build on those precious willow banks.

This slow diminution of our rights and heritage goes on.

Should our council have its way, Twickenham riverside, so incredibly neglected for many years, but still open space, will be developed with flats and expensive housing, together with the much promoted, and very large, River Centre building.

The servicing of all this plus, say, parking for 50 or so extra cars, will virtually cover this precious site.

It is our duty to try and save this unique space for future generations, who will, it now seems, have to live under even more air traffic and noise, and with fewer and fewer green and pleasant places in which to relax and reflect.

Gardens and riverbank space will help to keep our grandchildren in real touch with our beautiful river and outdoor space.

This development is not for our benefit, and the eulogising about the River Centre will not compensate for its enormous size, its questionable necessity and ungainly siting.

The River Centre is a ploy and, in order to build it, the rest of this site will be sacrificed to developers and covered with expensive houses that few can afford, together with a huge block of flats.

On the other side of the river, on Eel Pie Island, there is a vacant site, which is available and highly suitable for the River Centre.

It has its own river front, which can be approached by the island bridge or by boat, and is located directly opposite the area which the council wishes to develop and which we are suggesting should be made into gardens for everyone to enjoy.

This is an issue for which residents could, and should, be able to suggest alternatives, to keep the site for the community and away from developers and exclusivity.

There will be an exhibition of some alternative ideas shown at the river café, which will help to show that this precious plot does not have to be developed as our council has decreed.

Itcould be made more enjoyable for the people who own it - and that is you.

Maurice Broughton
Friars Style Road
Richmond