Public consultation on the future of Kneller Gardens

10.38.50am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 6th Sep 2005

Large numbers of Twickenham residents flocked to the public consultation on Saturday in Kneller Gardens. The Old Thamesians Rugby Club explained their project to establish high standard rugby pitches and training facilities (with floodlights) in the park with up-graded changing rooms, toilets and kiosk. There has been considerable anxiety in the local community that the proposal could immobilise a large area of the park; that floodlights would create unacceptable intrusion in a nearby residential estate; and that the long-term future of the park might be compromised.

MP Vincent Cable attended the event and spoke to residents: "I was initially suspicious of the proposals but having heard the presentation and seen the proposals I am somewhat reassured. There are pluses as well as minuses. There are definite improvements in prospect and although the pitches will be out of bounds to the public for several months a year due to seeding, I don't think there is any serious risk to the long-term future of Kneller Gardens as a public park. But after the council proposed three years ago to hand them over to a school - and only backed down under strong public pressure - there is still some residual suspicion and the local community will want safeguards that the tenancy of the rugby club cannot be abused".