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 resident commented on the roll out of 20 Mph speed limits, and suggested they would only be of any use if being enforced. They suggested that the sequencing of traffic lights could be used to restrict speed. Councillor Alambritis said the plan to roll out 20 mph limits was in keeping with other boroughs, and would improve road safety. Traffic lights are the responsibility of Transport for London so we could raise this with them.

A resident asked about charging for bulky waste. Councillor Alambritis said that bulky waste collection was free for number of years but was not being used as much as we would have liked and did not help reduce fly tipping. Merton Council had to make tough choices due to reduced Government funding and this was one of those.

A resident asked about yellow box junction with ANPR cameras being used Western Road Wimbledon and Armfield Crescent Mitcham. Their view was that these were not helping traffic and the junctions would be better served by a mini-roundabout.

Councillor Alambritis agreed to pass on roundabout idea to officers but explained that yellow box junctions are there to keep traffic flow moving and have to meet national standards. All fines go back into transport related projects, for example the Freedom pass.

A resident asked if mini-roundabouts could be a bigger obstruction to ensure vehicles went round them instead of over. Kris Witherington, Merton Council, said mini-roundabouts tended to be used in smaller junctions so had to allow for larger vehicles to be able to pass over them.

A resident asked about a change to the Planning Applications Committee where speakers would be limited to 6 minutes limit per item change. Councillor Dean said that all Councils have to meet deadlines for assessing applications so the change was designed to get more items through in each meeting.

A resident said that weeds on the streets of the All Saints estate have not been cleared. Kris Witherington agreed to raise this with the Neighbourhood Client Team.

UPDATE following the meeting: The team has confirmed that the roads are Merton Council’s responsibility and will be inspecting the streets for weeds and litter. 

A resident asked about leaf clearing. Councillor Alambritis said the contract with Veolia is to keep roads clear of leaves and there is a 10-week period where additional resources are brought into Merton. Councillor Dead said he arranges for the local community to help with leaf clearing in Dundonald Ward.

A resident asked if that following the success of Car Free Sunday it would be possible to make streets more family friendly. Councillor Dean suggested residents contacted their councillors for advice or they can start a petition to demonstrate support amongst their neighbours.

Sgt Marcia Heritage from Merton Police provided an update on local issues. She said that the Safer Neighbourhood Teams have been working hard to address some of the rough sleeps, aggressive begging which has improved. About half are genuine homeless and referred to the specialist service (SPEAR) covering the borough or the London wide StreetLink. There was a traffic operation on Hartfield Road tonight to look at freight use. There has been a recent batch of thefts of number plates from cars in the area so SNTs were providing anti-tamper screws. Sgt Heritage was asked about squatters in the former Barclays building and explained that they were waiting for the building’s owner to take out a court order.