The meeting was held at the Wimbledon Arts Space, and chaired by Councillor James Holmes. More than 30 residents attended, as well as seven other Merton Councillors. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, introducing the councillors present at the meeting.

Cathryn James, Assistant Director of Public Protection

Councillor Tobin Byers, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health introduced the rationale behind the proposed changes and then the detail was presented by Cath James, Assistant Director for Public Protection, and Ben Stephens, Head of Parking Services. The presentation slides are an appendix to this report. 

Cllr Byers said that the wider determinants of health, including the environment have a huge impact and that the council was keen to use the levers it has to influence behaviours that will have a positive impact. In this case the proposal is to encourage behaviours that will improve Air Quality and encourage Active Travel. Tobin said he understood this was a difficult issue and there would be opposition but this was a serious issue that required challenging choices.

The consultation would begin on 29 March and would run until 5 May. The results would then be reported to Scrutiny and Cabinet. The Council is also looking into emissions based charging and would be reviewing the diesel levy but these will be considered in the autumn so are not part of this consultation. The consultation can be found at https://www.merton.gov.uk/streets-parking-transport/parking/charges-consultation-2019   

The consultation is featured in the latest My Merton and notices have been posted on streets effected. Notices will also be published in the Wimbledon Times and there will be a link on the home page of the Council website. The consultation will also be promoted on social media and with key stakeholder groups. To respond you can complete an online survey, send in an email to ParkingConsultation2019@merton.gov.uk or write to the Council at Parking Consultation 2019, Parking Services, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, SM4 5DX

Residents raised a number of issues as set out below along with the response from the team where relevant:

Update from the MP for Wimbledon

Stephen Hammond, MP for Wimbledon, provided an update on local issues:

Crossrail 2 – not much progress as the funding model is still being discussed and they still have not determined the route. Stephen said he would hold a public meeting if there was any news

Heathrow – Stephen had organised a well-attended public meeting to encourage residents to have their say on the consultation on new flight paths. The proposals would see a substantial increase in the number of low flights over Wimbledon. Stephen had responded directly to the consultation to say the proposals were unacceptable.

Wimbledon Masterplan – Stephen had met with resident associations and councillors to feedback on the draft masterplan.

Wimbledon Police Station – there has still not been a final decision on the future of the station following the judicial review that forced the Mayor of London to reconsider the proposed closure. Stephen did not think it was likely the Mayor would change his mind.

Bins – there were still some residents complaining they had not received the new wheelie bins. The reputation of the borough is being undermined and the service is not acceptable.

Parking – whilst air quality is an important issue moving vehicles are more of an issue than parking, and the council also needs to look at the impact of development.

In response to questions from residents Mr Hammond said he would continue to encourage residents to respond to Heathrow consultations and would raise with Merton Council’s Chief Officer if the Council can publish their response. Cllr Byers also said he would look into this. Mr Hammond said that Heathrow expansion would have more impact on noise pollution than on air quality although air quality would be affected by the additional vehicles going to Heathrow.  

Air quality was also raised in the planning application for the Harris School development and Mr Hammond said he was disappointed the application based. Cllr Byers said he would be happy to look at the construction issues at this site.

A resident asked about additional street bins being made available and Mr Hammond said the councillors present would be best placed to take this up.

Mark Williams, Wimbledon Guild

Mark Williams from Wimbledon Guild gave a presentation on the Warm and Well in Merton project. The slides are attached to this report. Mark explained that this is an important issue due to the excess winter deaths, especially for the over 75s and in 2016/17 there were 851 emergency admissions for injuries due to falls among people aged 65 years and over in Merton. The project offers information and advice, free home energy checks for residents meeting certain criteria, as well as opportunities to access financial support. The project is looking to work with local organisations and groups to get everyone ready for next winter, giving Warm & Well talks and distributing information packs which include a free thermometer. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Catherine at Wimbledon Guild at ckiernan@wimbledonguild.co.uk.

A resident raised concerns about the quality of footways, the impact of tall buildings on creating wind tunnels and landlords including Clarion moving to electric only buildings. 

Update from Paul McGarry on designs for the spaces at St Marks Place and New Theatre, and the Wimbledon Masterplan.

Paul McGarry gave an update on consultation on the draft Wimbledon Master Plan. The slides are attached to this report and all the consultation responses have been published at https://www.merton.gov.uk/planning-and-buildings/regeneration-projects/future-wimbledon/future-wimbledon-consultation-responses  

A lot of detail had been provided by respondents so officers are still examining the information. A final report will be published in June.

The Play Wimbledon workshops looked at using the space in St Marks Place and outside New Wimbledon Theatre. The full report on this work can be found at.

https://www.merton.gov.uk/planning-and-buildings/regeneration-urban-design/future-wimbledon  

Paul and Pablo Sendra from LUGADERO shared the concepts for permanent options in these spaces but detailed designs would follow and be consulted on. 

Residents raised the following points about the two sites.

St Marks Place:

•              Please explore Barcelona style bins that are underground

•              Does the area need to be repaved given the costs?

•              The space is not sufficient for cars to pass each other

•              Having art or display options on the side of the library

•              Fixed designs reduce flexibility

•              Kiosks are not needed

•              There would need to be additional crowd control

•              St Mark’s Church are broadly in favour of the designs

New Wimbledon Theatre:

•              Would like more ambitious approach to the seating

•              Hedging would be better than planters for greening

An opportunity to raise any other issue of local interest not covered elsewhere on the agenda. Kindly email your request in advance of the meeting to getinvolved@merton.gov.uk

Sergeant Marcia Heritage had provided contact details for anyone wanting to raise any local crime and safety issues. The local Safer Neighbourhood Team can be reached at wimbledontowncentre.snt@met.police.uk.

Future meetings: all 7.15pm in Wimbledon Arts Space

Wednesday 19 June 2019

Wednesday 25 September 2019

Tuesday 3 December 2019

Thursday 26 March 2020

Councillor Holmes thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting. 

Future meetings: all 7.15pm in Wimbledon Arts Space

Wednesday 19 June 2019; Wednesday 25 September 2019

Tuesday 3 December 2019; Thursday 26 March 2020