THE 'great and the good' of the Twickenham Riverside Trust have been challenged to justify moves that could block the creation of a new 'heart' for the town.

In a shock move, the Trust is trying to stop the Council from buying a key parcel of land – the Diamond Jubilee Gardens - that is needed for the scheme.

Under the proposals, these gardens would be moved to a larger alternative site to allow the multi-million pound Riverside development, incorporating housing, shops, a café, pub and children's play area, to go ahead.

A Lib-Dem councillor in Twickenham, Cllr James Chard, has written to the Trust to challenge the validity of their objections.

He questioned whether their decision was arrived at properly and if it is based on promised research into the attitudes of residents.

Cllr Chard also questioned the commitment of the trustees to the interests of the people of Twickenham, given that they have failed to organise public events on the Gardens area, despite being required to do so by their lease.

The 11 trustees are made up of a collection of high profile figures from the law, marketing, property, architecture, business and sports administration.

The chairman, Luke Montgomery-Smith, whose CV includes events organisation and the launch of food and drink brands, has been accused of refusing to engage with council officials to discuss the concerns of the Trust.

As things stand, Richmond Council will have to pursue a Compulsory Purchase Order for the site, which might – potentially – generate heavy legal costs funded through Council Tax. A decision on whether to allow the CPO will lie with Housing and Local Government Secretary, Michael Gove.

In his letter, Cllr Chard wrote that residents are 'deeply puzzled by the Trust's decision, and have broader concerns over transparency and propriety within the Trust'.

He said there are concerns that one trustee was effectively locked out of the decision-making process and was denied relevant discussion papers.

Cllr Chard has asked exactly who was involved in the decision and whether all the trustees involved properly declared their personal interests.

In the letter, he wrote: "You have also never at any time contacted me or ward colleagues to explain concerns. This will seem extremely surprising to members of the public given there is an opportunity for a dialogue on the reasons for your objection, and the possibility of resolution without the need for a process involving public expense.

"Will you reconsider and look to hold meetings with officers, councillors, and the general public as soon as possible?"

The Trustees include Mark Brownrigg; Ted Cremin; Ali Donnelly; Janine Fotiadis-Negrepontis; Celia Holman (Secretary);

Sam Kamleh; Kasia Oberc; Jonathan Preece; Cathy Stewart; and Melissa Watson.

Nub News asked the Trust for a response to the letter, but we have not received a response.