The Teddington Society, founded in 1973 "to preserve and enhance the quality of life for everyone living and working in Teddington", has again lived up to its objective by playing a leading role in helping the Park Lane Stables remain in their premises.

It did this by applying to Richmond Council to list the Stables site as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) – an application that was approved by the Council last week. The ACV, which lasts for five years, gives added legal protection to the site.

The application was in response to the news that the landowner had informed the Stables that after 12 years, their lease would not be renewed when it expires on May 31st.

The application was prepared by Society members Keith Atkinson, Philip Barnes and Mark Jopling, following a suggestion by Councillor Martin Elengorn, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, Planning and Sustainability.

At our request, two of our Corporate Members – Kagan Moss and Richard Steer of Stone Rowe Brewer – have provided legal advice to Natalie O'Rourke of Park Lane Stables in this matter, on a pro-bono basis.

On the Society's Twitter feed, Munira Wilson MP is among more than 100 people who have reacted with messages of congratulation and support. "Excellent news!" she wrote.

The Stables also received backing from broadcaster and author Clare Balding, who tweeted, "The most important thing is that they are saved for the children and adults who benefit from regular contact with their wonderful horses and ponies".

Park Lane Stables' ponies are a familiar sight in Teddington, particularly during the two Lockdown periods. The stables are a registered charity who do a huge amount of work with disabled or underprivileged children, and people with special needs.

They are active members of the Riding for the Disabled Association, and in 2016 they were visited by the group's president, The Princess Royal, who spoke warmly of their work.

The ACV process provides a six-month moratorium in which a community interest group may make an offer to the owner to buy the premises.

The owner cannot sell the premises to anyone other than such a group during this period. Meanwhile, the landlord of the stables has told the BBC that he is "acutely aware of the sensitivity of the situation and the importance of the work done here" and that he is discussing options to find a resolution for the benefit of everyone involved.

Organising and applying for ACV status has been a real community project, and the Teddington Society is pleased to have assisted Park Lane Stables with their negotiations over these important and historic local premises.

You can donate to the stables HERE where over £150,000 has already been raised.