Vincent Cable Meets Environmental Groups over Riverside Plan

1.35.03pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 7th May 2009

Vincent Cable MP met local environmental groups this weekend, led by the Borough's Environment Trust, to discuss their plans for a River Centre as part of the Council's proposals for the Twickenham Riverside.

He said: "I was enormously impressed by the commitment of local environmental and amenity groups to proceed with the River Centre. The Centre, with its boat house, learning area and exhibitions will be a major addition to the Borough; and a focal point for 'green' organisations to pursue an environmental agenda. I am delighted that Sir David Attenborough is firmly behind the plans.

"I realise that the proposed development, with the River Centre at its core, as well as open space and an improved play area, is controversial in Twickenham because of the enabling private housing. In an ideal world there would be no housing on the site which would be entirely for community use. But this is not an ideal world and some housing is necessary to finance the community projects.

"My own personal view, having seen the exhibition, is that there is too much housing. However, the Council is in a better position than me to judge what is the absolute minimum level of housing to secure agreement to proceed with the River Centre and the other enhancements.

"I have lived in the area for 35 years and once swam in the pool before the, then, Conservative Council closed it. Successive councils have tried and failed to find a way forward. Innumerable alternatives have been considered and have failed to satisfy planning, environmental or financial requirements, or have alienated some segment of local opinion. Unless a compromise is agreed, the site is likely to remain in permanent dereliction. I fully understand that many residents want a better outcome but this is a case where the best may be the enemy of the good."