The meeting was held at the Wimbledon Arts Space, and chaired by Councillor James Holmes. More than 20 residents attended, as well as two other Merton Councillors. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting, introducing the councillors present at the meeting.

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

A Community Meeting to learn more about what 5G is, why it is being rolled out, and how it will affect you, young children and our environment. The meeting will be held on Monday, 24 June from 7 - 9:30 pm In St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s Place, Wimbledon SW19 7ND. Residents can also find out more by going to https://www.5ginmerton.com/. Residents also asked if consent would be required to use Merton Council lampposts, if planning permission would be needed or if it would have permitted development rights.

POST meeting update: the Government announced that it would be reviewing the planning framework for 5G rollout as well as running a public competition for the next round of trial sites: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-boost-5g-and-simplify-planning-to-support-mobile-deployment

Residents asked about the seating and bollards installed outside Centre Court with some disappointed about the design and layout. Helen Clark Bell from Love Wimbledon said that Network Rail had decided on the features with the aim of protecting the station, and there may be further works to protect the bus stop. Love Wimbledon has not been involved in the design.

A resident asked about the proposed parking charges discussed at the last meeting. Cabinet will consider the consultation results and updated proposals on 15 July.

A resident asked about the bins in Wandle Park. Claire Walsh, Merton Council, explained that following the pilot removal of all bins, four have been reinstated.   

Claire Walshe, Neighbourhood Client Officer, from Merton Council and a representative from Veolia will be in attendance.

Claire Walsh, Neighbourhood Client Officer for Merton Council provided an update on the changes to refuse collection. Claire thanked residents for their patience during challenges that resulted from the change over to the new system. The system is now in place and operating mainly as business as usual. The next step is to look at properties along shop fronts to audit the collection from those sites. The Council is also reviewing the use of Neighbourhood Recycling Centres. Changes have been made to the Council website, you can now renew garden waste collection online, and you can report fly-tips anonymously.

Residents raised specific issues around missed collections, bin lids, wheelie bins on pavements, a bike chained to a railing and fly-tipping. Claire said she would raise the specific issues with the relevant crews. In response to a question about weeds Claire explained that an inspection last week had highlighted weeds as an issue, and street cleaners would be reminded to use the tools they have. A second spray is currently taking place so further inspections would take place afterwards. They will also soon be reviewing plans for leaf clearance next autumn. Claire also explained that drains are cleared at least annually with more frequent clearance where needed or in high-risk areas. When asked about shop fronts Claire said that the Council can attach conditions to licenses for premises that sell food so she will ask for this to be looked at. Claire also explained that there was no smaller sized wheelie bin available for residents and apologised for any miscommunication.

Rob Cowan

Rob Cowan introduced the work being done to create a Neighbourhood Plan for Wimbledon Town. The presentation given at the meeting is attached to this report. There are 2500 Neighbourhood Plans nationally, 120 in London. The aim is to create a plan for a ‘Complete Neighbourhood’ sustainable, environmentally friendly, healthy and economically, prosperous urban living. Wimbledon has a huge range of styles that vary with the fashions. The issue of height is controversial as it has a huge impact on neighbouring streets. The Civic Forum is hosting a meeting on 20 June in the Arts Space.

In response to questions from residents, Rob said that the Forum would be working with the Wimbledon Society to find common ground that could form the Neighbourhood Plan and they would be happy to work with any local groups or residents. So far 50 people are participating but in order to apply to be recognised as an official forum they need to demonstrate that the group is representative. They will also need to define the area, and then prepare the plan for a final referendum. This is likely to take at least two years.

Helen Clark Bell

Helen Clark Bell provided an update on behalf of Love Wimbledon. The new Love Wimbledon guide has been circulated to 65,000 residents. Upcoming events include:

•           Monthly market on 29/30 June – this is now single use plastic free

•           Tennis 1-14 July – a big screen and seats will be set up at the Piazza

•           Picnic space – tables and chairs will be available 15 July – 2 August

•           Monthly market on 3-4 August

•           Ride London – road closures and festival on 4 August.

Love Wimbledon has successfully applied to the Mayor of London for a water refill station and is now looking for an appropriate location for it.

Occupancy level is constantly monitored. They are still waiting for final news on Debenhams but a new Yori (Korean BBQ) and Gelato shop have opened. Elys have extended their shop to include their new brand Elys Urban beauty. Love Wimbledon is working with Merton Council to install a Rainbow Crossing outside the new LGBTQ bar to mark Pride Month in July.

There is an ongoing issue with Deliveroo drivers, Love Wimbledon is working with them to find a better location for the riders to stop.

The Love Wimbledon website (https://lovewimbledon.org/) contains the latest news and events, as well as their social media accounts. 

In response to a question about town centre clocks Helen said that following pressure on Greene King the clock on the Prince of Wales is now working, but discussions still ongoing in relation to centre court. 100 Broadway has been empty since before 2012 and whilst Love Wimbledon will keep chasing the owner there is no sign of anything happening. Helen also said that Love Wimbledon will lobby TfL and Merton Council to better manage the taxi rank at Wimbledon Station. Helen also agreed to look at updating the information map of the area as St Marks was not featured on the old one.

Future meetings: all 7.15pm in Wimbledon Arts Space

Wednesday 25 September 2019

Tuesday 3 December 2019

Thursday 26 March 2020

Councillor Holmes thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting. 

Date of next meeting:

Future meetings: all 7.15pm in Wimbledon Arts Space

Wednesday 25 September 2019; Tuesday 3 December 2019; Thursday 26 March 2020