If you would like to raise an issue under the open forum you are welcome to email getinvolved@merton.gov.uk in advance of the meeting.

A resident raised the issue of roads in Wimbledon being named after two individuals, Joseph Marryat MP and John Sawbridge-Earle-Drax MP, who owned slaves. Merton Council had passed a resolution in March 2020 in recognition of Black Lives Matter but there has been no action on names of these roads. The resident wrote to all councillors 15 months ago but said he had not received any response although Cllr Kohler as Chair said he knew of at least one councillor who had responded. Wimbledon High girls’ school has renamed their sports hall as a result, whilst the Drax family still owns the sugar plantation in the Bahamas. The resident said that councillors could arrange to change the names or add a note to road signs. Another resident said that it would be interesting to share the history of road names in Wimbledon as part of heritage events.

Cllr Kohler said that CFs can submit a motion to the council and the Forum agreed to submit a motion to the next Council meeting. The motion reads:

The Wimbledon Community Forum notes that some roads in Wimbledon are named after former residents who were slave owners. The Forum calls on Merton Council to consider including historical information in the vicinity of such road signs including the fact they are named after slave owners.

Cllr Stringer said that the administration has been thinking a lot about priorities for young residents from BAME backgrounds and have been addressing the issues raised by those communities. Cllr Stringer said she would be happy to take this away and speak with colleagues.

A resident raised the issue of litter and maintenance in Dundonald Rec. The parks team have provided the following response: Our service delivery partners idverde administer the day to day running of our parks and open spaces. Where there are seasonal demands put on our facilities, idverde are required to increase their emptying frequency to address this and this is something that we will highlight to them. We appreciate the playground is well regarded by its users, again idverde inspect this facility on a weekly basis, the roundabout does have a mechanical speed restrictor in place, but we will ask idverde to visit the site and asses this particular unit, any associated works (if required) can then be scheduled.

Cllr Kohler recommended residents consider registering and using the Fix my street app. A residents said that has been problem with items being closed on the app when they have not actually been dealt with. Cllr Stringer said sometimes this is due to issues on private land but the problem is being looked into. 

A resident raised the issue of delivery mopeds using the Wimbledon Bridge parking bays intended as drop off spaces for the station. Cllr Kohler said this issue has been discussed at the Location Board, a multi agency council group that includes local councillors, and there was due to be an update at the next meeting on Thursday 23 June. Craig Hurring from Love Wimbledon, had also provided information that the key thing we need to happen is to ensure the delivery companies update their algorithms to ensure drivers wait at the location provided in the Hartfield Road and St George’s car parks. Love Wimbledon is ready to support and promote these locations as soon as it is confirmed, and signage is available.

A resident had also asked about the License application for the new Travelodge in Hartfield Road which has applied for 24-hour License but was satisfied to learn this included a condition limiting alcohol sales to hotel residents and their bona fide guests between 11pm & 10 am daily.

A resident asked about food waste bins being accessed by foxes and asked if the bins can be made more secure. Officers will report this to the Public Spaces team. A resident said that it would help if public bins could be cleared quicker. Cllr Stringer said Merton Council has issued a Service Improvement notice to the contractor. A resident said that food waste bins in communal flats were not designed or being used properly. Cllr Kohler suggested that this could be raised with Clarion, and another resident said that Clarion are aware of these issues nationally and will be looking into the problem.

David Hall from Wimbledon Community Association gave an update on the work of the organisation. Their Wimblecomm website promotes local community spaces. There are three trustees, and two members of staff so welcome involvement from other residents. The groups are looking to create an Ambassadors scheme.

A resident raised the issue of the removal of the countdown indicator for buses on Wimbledon Bridge outside Centre Court. Officers will raise this with Transport for London.

Cllr Stringer encouraged residents to respond to the Mayor of London’s ULEZ consultation, which is open until 29 July 2022.