Plans to reshape Richmond town centre have sparked fierce debate at a public meeting, with anxious residents warning against turning residential streets into a "sacrificial lamb" for diverted traffic.

Council Leader Gareth Roberts and Councillor Katie Mansfield, who is leading the town centre vision work, faced a packed room of locals questioning proposals ranging from the pedestrianisation of George Street to a new children's play space on Little Green.

While councillors insisted no final decisions have been made, residents raised sharp concerns over displaced traffic, independent shop closures, and basic street maintenance.

George Street and pedestrianisation

Proposals to restrict vehicles on George Street drew the strongest reaction of the evening, with homeowners living nearby expressing deep anxiety over where displaced cars and buses would be rerouted.

One Church Road resident told councillors that the town's residential side was "holding its breath" in limbo, waiting to hear which street would become the "sacrificial lamb" for diverted traffic.

"You can't make one street brilliant without making another street crap," she said, warning that putting buses down quiet residential roads would decimate house prices and put children at risk.

Another local pointed out that while residents backed having less traffic in a 2023 survey, George Street acts as a vital artery keeping heavy vehicles away from surrounding neighbourhoods. Safety after dark was also flagged, with one attendee warning pedestrianised zones could encourage anti-social behaviour and create risks for women at night.

However, the plans did find vocal backing in the room. One resident argued that towns across the country had been "ruined by the motor vehicle" and insisted closing George Street to cars would be "utterly successful" and bring a much-needed balance for visitors and locals.

Responding to the views, Cllr Mansfield stressed that nothing is a "fait accompli" and no final decision has been reached.

The council is currently working with Transport for London (TfL) to model several options, including full pedestrianisation between Waterstones and Lululemon, partial restrictions, or doing nothing at all.

The Little Green

Plans to install a new children's playground on Little Green also came under fire, with locals questioning both the demand for the facility and its impact on a historic conservation area.

One resident asked why the council had shortlisted the project when local demand had not been established and nearby residents opposed it.

Another attendee questioned why money was being spent on the site when mansion flats sit right beside it, pointing out that a large playground and car park already exist nearby on the A316.

"This seems nonsense, spending money on this," one resident told the room.

Cllr Mansfield said the idea came from feedback that parents feel there is nowhere for children to go in the town centre, discouraging families from visiting.

She clarified that there had been a misunderstanding over the scale of the project, explaining it would feature low-impact, natural-material play equipment rather than large swings or slides.

Councillors added that while an indicative budget has been earmarked, no money is guaranteed to be spent and a full public consultation will take place before anything goes ahead.

Shops and the high street

The future of Richmond's retail offering prompted frustration over empty units and the changing face of the high street.

Comparing Richmond unfavourably to Marylebone High Street, one resident urged the council to attract independent bookshops and clothing boutiques rather than "vape shops" and "another matcha latte shop".

Another lifelong area resident argued the high street was "falling apart" because shops are constantly closing - a trend he blamed on commercial properties being owned by large pension funds over which the council has little influence.

Attendees also asked whether funds could be better used to directly incentivise small independent businesses to set up in the town.

When challenged on what evidence supported her warning that the town centre would "go downhill" without intervention, Cllr Mansfield pointed to historical data and national trends showing how other UK high streets have struggled.

Councillors said a broader town centre vision is needed to foster a resilient mix of retail, hospitality, and culture.

Maintenance and cleanliness

Several attendees urged the council to focus on looking after existing town centre assets before embarking on new projects.

Nick Coleman, who lives on Richmond Green, criticised the upkeep of the green, claiming it was treated like an ordinary roadside verge and argued electronic assets in the centre were being neglected.

Another resident questioned council oversight of contractors responsible for weekly street cleaning and faded road markings, noting that delayed markings had become a safety issue.

Cllr Mansfield maintained that spending on Richmond Green's upkeep had not changed, explaining that the grass had suffered severely following extreme summer drought conditions when jet-wash cleaning was restricted.

She announced that the council is investing in a new borough jet washer, due to arrive around the end of the year, to improve high street cleanliness.

To find out more about the council's town centre plans click here.

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