RICHMOND COUNCIL'S plan to knock down Elleray Hall and build affordable housing on the site has received a boost as the authority has been given £250,000 to spend on the scheme.

The money is part of an £850,000 package bestowed on the Council by the government to redevelop the borough's brownfield sites including Twickenham Riverside.

Richmond Council says the funding will be spent on preparing the ground for the building of housing – including demolition and utility installation and diversion.

In a press release it added that the money is to be used for "unloved and disused sites" though later refers to Elleray Hall as a popular daytime centre.

The future of the hall off Teddington high street has been the subject of heated debate over the past few months.

Residents living near the hall have condemned plans to demolish the building and turn it into 18 affordable homes.

But Trustees of the Hall have stressed that the daytime and social centre is no longer fit for purpose and welcomed Council plans to replace it.

Councillor Michael Wilson also wrote in favour of the scheme stating that the Council has "a moral duty" to tackle the borough's shortage of social housing.

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The Elleray Hall plans are currently going through the Planning process, having been validated in August.

Council leader Gareth Roberts: "Subject to the Planning process, both of these projects will result in much needed affordable housing in both Twickenham and Teddington.

"We aim to bring back to life two areas that have long since been neglected and create not only improved community resources, but also high-quality affordable homes. I am pleased that the government has given this funding, which is an endorsement for the delivery of housing on these sites."