Stephen Hammond says, "Let’s set up a Parks Trust to protect our open spaces"

MERTON owns and maintains a total of 60 parks, commons, woods, greens, recreation grounds, playing fields, and other open spaces. Every year the needs of our parks and open spaces are at the bottom of the Council’s priorities and funding.

A community trust could be the answer to secure Merton’s open spaces for future generations. Stephen Hammond has proposed a borough wide trust calling for parks’ friends groups and conservation groups to act together not only to preserve our green spaces but also to undertake a programme of planned improvements.

Stephen said, “I recognise the fantastic work of friends groups but cuts to the park service such as rangers, paddling pools and planting looks set to continue. I believe that if, for example, the Wimbledon Park Friends Group knew they were in charge of their own destiny they could make sure the paddling pool was open every year rather than having to undertake last minute fundraising.

“We should be letting local people decide what they want in their local park and letting local people run their parks. Each group would be part of a borough wide trust. Each local group would be responsible for its local area but the Trust would secure funds, organise equipment and workers for maintenance.”

Wimbledon Park Councillor Tariq Ahmad said, “We have seen years of cutting maintenance funding which has led to a decline in quality. Stephen’s scheme is innovative and will secure the future of our open spaces. The time is ripe for a community trust.”

Stephen Hammond, along with local residents, campaigned to stop Morden Park being turned into a golf game centre. Stephen recently attended a packed meeting of local residents; he said, “I will back the scheme that gives local residents what they want; protection for the heritage of the Park, better sporting facilities and a new sports hall. I hope we can have an agreed plan by summer 2006”.

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