Riverside Action Group (RAG) is a non-aligned group of concerned residents who are asking Richmond Council to work with the community to ensure that the development of Twickenham riverside is carried out in a transparent and collaborative manner, through real consultation with local residents and business.

RAG recognises that residents want to see something on this site and that many people just want something done, but we argue that if this will be our new town centre, we must get it right.

We also recognise the progress the Council has made in regenerating the embankment and creating Jubilee Gardens, demonstrating its wish to find a solution for this site.

However, pushing forward the current scheme at all costs is losing the support of local people.

The Council-held consultation in 2010 clearly communicated that they want a view to the river and a town square. The current proposal delivers nothing of this.

We have no information on the cost/benefit analysis undertaken on the proposed retail and residential units, and indeed no information on who would run or own the development.

We are a group of concerned local residents, seeking input and support from local stakeholders. It is vitally important that the future centre of our town stops being a political football. We are keen to work with the Council and support a fully transparent and independently run competition for the development, and have written to them this week offering our cooperation.

The group continues to collect signatures to a petition set up at the start of February calling for the consultation to be re-opened. www.riversideactiongroup.uk