Twickenham MP Vince Cable has joined the wave of opposition against the docking of the Gloriana boathouse in Orleans Park.

Council proposals to give the Queen’s Royal Row Barge a permanent home in the town, have angered residents who fear it will destroy natural habitats and create traffic chaos.

Mr Cable visited a council exhibition of the project on Sunday, July 20, and was not convinced the plans are in Twickenham's interests.

He said: “It looks to be a good idea to have the old Royal Barge housed on a new dock in Twickenham.

“But the access road is too narrow and congested for visitors.

“This is a prestige project costing £1 million in capital and potentially annual support.

“And it is at the expense of green space in one of the best-loved parts of the borough."

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The Gloriana was built by Richmond-based master boat builder Mark Edwards MBE, and was the lead craft at the Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012.

Richmond council leader Lord Nicholas True is supporting the drive to dock the ceremonial boathouse in Twickenham.

He said: "This is a one-off opportunity.

"Other boroughs were keen to secure the privilege of hosting Gloriana.

"But as the only borough straddling the Thames, with centuries old royal connections I believe Richmond is uniquely equipped to be the home of this remarkable piece of British craftsmanship, designed and built by our residents.”

If plans are given the go-ahead work could begin in autumn 2015.