The people of the borough have spoken - and they want something done about congestion and cracked pavements.

The first results of Richmond Council’s All in One survey show traffic, pavements and the quality of high street shops are among the issues respondents want to be tackled.

More than 13,500 people took part in the borough-wide consultation - 17 per cent of households - of which 92 per cent said they were happy with their area.

When asked what was important in making an area a good place to live, 73 per cent chose green spaces, 38 per cent went for low levels of crime and 35 per cent chose good local shopping.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “It has given us a lot of invaluable information and a significant opportunity to work with local people to shape how we deliver services in the future.”

However, leader of the opposition Councillor Stephen Knight hit out at the timing of the survey, which saw the results revealed after the council’s budget was drawn up.

He said: “The whole exercise has almost been done as a PR stunt without any intention of implementing the findings.”

He criticised the consultation for not focusing on the “bigger issues”, such as proposed cuts to social services and libraries, and residents’ thoughts on them.

But deputy leader Councillor Geoffrey Samuel said the process would be ongoing and changes that could not be implemented now would be built into following budgets.

He said residents’ concerns regarding the condition of pavements and roads had already been addressed with an extra £500,000 put aside for improvements, as reported in last week’s Richmond and Twickenham Times.

A more detailed analysis of the results of the All in One survey are expected by the end of next month, and will be followed by public meetings around the borough.

Coun Fleming said: “By March the council will have much more detailed information from the survey which will enable it to understand what people want for their local areas and villages and how this differs from one part of the borough to another.”

Your chance to have a say

The Richmond Society is to hold a meeting on Thursday for residents to give their views on the All in One survey and the Richmond station and town centre scheme consultation.

Coun Fleming will speak at the meeting, at 7.45pm, in the Vestry Hall, 21 Paradise Road, Richmond.

Entrance is free to members and non-members are welcome for £1 donation.

Visit richmondsociety.co.uk for more information.

Twickenham action plan

A “once-in-a-generation” chance to help turn Twickenham into a thriving shopping and business centre is on offer to residents, according to the council.

A Twickenham action plan setting out proposals to improve the town will be drawn up during the course of the year by Richmond Council.

The plan will identify how the town could become a centre for retail and business and will address specific issues, including the future use of the Royal Mail sorting office site, the redevelopment of Twickenham station and improvements to the former pool site.

A consultation is due to take place in May where residents and businesses will be asked their opinions.

Councillor Virginia Morris, the council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Twickenham is badly in need of serious improvement work; we have known this for some time.

“We have a once-in-a-generation chance to lead major changes which will make locals proud to say they live in Twickenham.”

The final document is expected to be ready in early 2012.