The motion was moved by Councillor Andrew Judge and seconded by Councillor Oonagh Moulton.

An amendment, as set out in agenda item 20 was moved by Councillor Daniel Holden and seconded by Councillor Abdul Latif.

Councillor John Sargeant also spoke on this item.

The amendment was then put to the vote and was carried unanimously.

The substantive resolution was then agreed.

RESOLVED

Merton Council supports the strategic case for Crossrail 2 and recognises the benefits it would provide to London and could bring to Merton. However, our support for Crossrail2 is not at any cost and the Council has strong reservations about the proposals, which have recently been subject to consultation and have caused considerable concern and anxiety among many residents and businesses in the areas affected.

In particular we are concerned about the impact of those proposals on our town centres and particularly Wimbledon, which is now in a uniquely vulnerable position. These proposals would bring about an unacceptable level of upheaval and disruption to our residents and our business community for an extended period of up to ten years: to a greater extent than we are aware has occurred in any other town centre in recent history.

Residents are understandably particularly concerned about a reduced quality of life as a result of the disruption, noise and increased traffic congestion that such a lengthy redevelopment would bring as well as the apprehension of damaging impacts on residential properties and gardens. This Council also regrets the lack of information provided by Crossrail 2 to residents in Merton about its current proposals – including how compensation for blight will be considered – and in publicising proposals in the recent consultation.

Wimbledon is a very successful business centre with a low vacancy rate and a current unmet demand for modern office accommodation. We believe that it is vital that the vibrancy and quality of Wimbledon town centre is maintained before, during and after Crossrail2 works. We note that more than 3000 jobs are at stake and considerable amounts of commercial floor space.

Wimbledon SW19 is a globally recognised brand that has enormous potential for the future. This Council believes that Crossrail2 must fulfil that potential and not damage it. We understand that the consultation scheme is an early concept design. However, if the current proposals are not changed, we would be forced to reconsider our support for the project.

This Council believes that the options for delivering Crossrail2 through the Borough should be reassessed fundamentally with a view to minimising disruption to residents and ensuring that businesses continue to prosper in a high quality town centre that retains the heritage and essential qualities and character of Wimbledon that we all cherish.

We are also concerned at the potential negative impacts on Raynes Park and Motspur Park. Changes to these stations will be required and there need to be viable alternatives to the level crossings. We note that "diversions" as quoted as one option put forward seems to mean "close the level crossing and expect all vehicles to find alternative routes" which would lead to increased traffic congestion in the Raynes Park / West Barnes area. Closure of the level crossing at Motspur Park could result in many of the local businesses leaving.

This Council rejects the decimation of Wimbledon and potential damage to other affected town centres and wishes to see Crossrail 2 engaging with residents, businesses, councillors and other elected representatives in the areas affected at the earliest opportunity. We therefore invite Crossrail2 to join the Council, Love Wimbledon, landowners and our residents as soon as possible in a comprehensive master-planning process to create a framework for the future of Wimbledon based on the principles set out in this motion.