“Disastrous” efforts to block residents’ drives to create four extra parking spaces in three Twickenham roads was sparked by one person’s request to the council.

Following a request under the Freedom of Information Act, Richmond Council revealed it spent £1,600 on consultation fees on a scheme that would have put spaces in front of four driveways in Beauchamp Road.

Residents spent their own time and money to fight off the unpopular plans.

Beauchamp Road resident Zoe Weaver said: “We spent money on printing the petition and a substantial amount of time preparing it and collecting signatures.

"It would have been disastrous for people living on this road if we’d have simply overlooked the one notice we received, a notice which thanks to the Christmas holiday gave us just about enough time to react accordingly.”

The Richmond and Twickenham Times reported on the council’s u-turn over the plans on February 13.

Mrs Weaver added: “£1,600 is a huge amount to waste on an ‘investigation’ which was only carried out based on one Beauchamp Road resident’s opinion.

“Our council tax rates are among the highest in greater London and squandering it on such proposals, that in turn don’t benefit the majority of the residents concerned, is unfair.”