Give people more time to have their say on Twickenham's future - that was the plea issued this week by Conservative councillors.

A public exhibition of plans for the old swimming pool site on Twickenham riverside is due to go on display at the Civic Centre from January 18 to 31.

People will be able to fill in a questionnaire to deliver their verdict on the multi-million pound development which would include an arts auditorium, restaurants and flats.

But Conservative opposition councillors requested an extension to the two-week consultation period in a letter to the Liberal Democrat chairman of Richmond Council's leisure services committee.

They told Gina MacKinney: "The period should be extended in order that residents have a greater opportunity to view what is being proposed and make an informed decision on whether they believe it is right for Twickenham.

"We believe that after so many years of inactivity on the site it behoves the council to establish a full and open consultation process that will allow as many interested residents as possible to contribute to the eventual development of Twickenham riverside."

But a Richmond Council spokesman said the two-week consultation period which had been agreed following informal meetings with local groups, would not be extended.

The exhibition opens on January 18 and can be viewed 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 12 noon to 4pm on Sunday.

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