Richmond Council's leader took centre stage as councillors were grilled by residents at a Question Time-style event in Twickenham on Tuesday.

Lord True was joined on the panel by councillors Pamela Fleming, Chris Harrison and Paul Hodgins, while St Mary’s University College principal Dr Arthur Naylor assumed the role of David Dimbleby.

On an evening dominated by transport and highways, a number of submitted questions were answered before questions were invited from the Clarendon Hall floor.

Coun Harrison, cabinet member for highways and street scene, said there were plans to improve access to London Road by installing a new bus stop near Barclays bank.

He also confirmed there were no current plans to change a bridge in Marsh Farm Road but improvements to lighting and overgrowth were already under way.

On the subject of Twickenham station, Lord True confirmed it was unlikely it would be entirely completed for the Rugby World Cup in 2015, but they were pushing for the platforms to be finished in time.

Coun Fleming described the World Cup as “a huge chance to promote tourism in Twickenham” and spoke of bringing arts and culture to the high street.

Lord True rounded off the night by describing the Question Time as “experimental” and said he hoped to hold similar events across the borough in the future.

One woman told the panel they should be depressed with the numbers that came, but Lord True said the turnout was acceptable for a wet evening.

He added: “I am determined to promote this kind of dialogue with the public. It is important to communicate in this way.”

On Wednesday evening, Lord True took to social networking website Twitter for an hour to answer questions tweeted his way.

He was asked by @twickerati: “To what extent have Twickenham plans been adapted (improved) to reflect genuine views from residents?”

Lord True, using the council’s @LBRUT account responded: “TW is a great town, it deserves better. Neglected for 25 yrs. Now for the 1st time we have a plan worked up with local people.”