Merton: Borough bids to become centre of cycle safety

Merton: Borough bids to become centre of cycle safetyThe borough of Merton is located in South-West London and includes a number of districts including Wimbledon, Colliers Wood and Morden, to name just a few.

It is one of the nicer areas of London to live, with plenty of shops, clubs, pubs and cafés to visit. 

Property prices are around £500,000-£600,000 for a typical four-bedroom home, because of the popularity of the area, whereas one-bed flats can fetch up to £277,000 in the borough.

What makes the area so appealing is that it is fairly central, with famous sporting hotspots like Wimbledon included in its ranks.

There are also significant efforts by Merton Council to develop the borough to make it even nicer - and safer.

Recently, it was announced that the council will pump £32 million into regenerating Wimbledon Broadway, which may be part-pedestrianised, with lots of new cycle routes added.

Merton Council has unveiled its "transformational" vision which will see a network of cycle routes and bike hire schemes introduced across the entire borough.

To finance the proposals, the council has submitted a bid for the mayor of London's 'Mini Holland' fund.

Merton has already been shortlisted to receive a share of the £100 million fund. Winners will be announced in February 2014.

If the bid is successful, other improvements would include closing part of Wimbledon Broadway to general traffic and creating a tree-lined, one-way bus route with cycle lanes on both sides.

Pavements would also be repaved and extended, while café-style roadside seating at bars and restaurants would also be introduced.

Councillor Andrew Judge, cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, said the scheme is designed to create more of a safe haven for cyclists.

He added: "In Merton we have a strong ambition to make cycling as safe and convenient as it is in the Netherlands. We want men and women of all ages and children to be able to choose cycling safely for journeys in every part of Merton. 

"No longer should people feel that if they get on a bike they have to jostle with heavy traffic. It is about achieving a better balance. The more people cycle, the healthier they will be and everybody else will be better off: the roads will be less congested and the air cleaner."


The council said all plans would be subject to public consultation and testing before being implemented. If the bid is successful it will be introduced over the next five years.

Under the proposals, Hartfield Road will be transformed into a two-way system, whereby traffic would be redirected across a newly part-pedestrianised Broadway.

Mr Judge added: "This bid has been well constructed and has support across our local community. It is an unprecedented opportunity to transform our streets to make them safer, but also to redesign our town centres and neighbourhoods to make them better altogether for residents and local businesses.

"We are assuming because we are one of the last eight boroughs that we will get substantial funds. If we don't get the £32 million bid we will put in continued bids. This is our ambition and the vision we are working toward."

The council is also aiming to become the first local authority in the UK to introduce Dutch roundabouts with a cycle lane around the edge.

In addition, a new tunnel will be built close to the current tunnel in Lower Down's road for cyclists and pedestrians.

According to the council, the scheme has received support from councillors across the borough.

Commenting on the proposals, councillor Iain Dysart, leader of Merton Liberal Democrats said: "The funding will mean that the council can make the roads a safer environment for our cyclists while ensuring all road users benefit from any changes that are made."

His views were backed up by councillor Stephen Alambritis, leader of Merton Council, who said: "The funds which are being made available will give us a great opportunity to make our roads safer for all users. With well thought out plans, we would be able to accommodate drivers, pedestrians, cyclists as well as the many bus routes which we benefit from having in Merton."

Published 20th December, 2013

© 2013 Estates IT Limited

Latest London Property News Headlines

St John's Wood brings the village atmosphere to the capital

St John's Wood brings the village atmosphere to the capital

St John’s Wood is a great location for people looking to capitalise on all the benefits of London living without being caught up in all the hustle and bustle. 

Read Article ... Published on 26th May, 2015

Yeading: Enjoy peaceful city living in an up-and-coming area

Yeading: Enjoy peaceful city living in an up-and-coming area

Yeading is a laid-back and peaceful residential area situated north-east of Hayes and is one of the most up-and-coming areas of the capital.

Read Article ... Published on 26th May, 2015

Hanwell: A green, peaceful environment for Londoners

Hanwell: A green, peaceful environment for Londoners

Hanwell is a small town located in the Borough of Ealing and is in between Ealing and Southall, providing excellent transport links to the rest of the capital.

Read Article ... Published on 26th May, 2015

Mitcham Carnival announced for June

Mitcham Carnival announced for June

Mitcham Carnival has been announced for Saturday June 13th at Three Kings Piece.

Read Article ... Published on 22nd May, 2015

Hammersmith and Fulham Council start Park consultation

Hammersmith and Fulham Council start Park consultation

Hammersmith and Fulham Council have launched a new consultation on Hammersmith Park, inviting local residents to have their say on the area and how it can be improved.

Read Article ... Published on 22nd May, 2015

New conservation areas planned around Waltham Forest

New conservation areas planned around Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest has announced plans for two new conservation areas near Lloyd Park and Bakers Arms town centre. 

Read Article ... Published on 20th May, 2015

Sutton Council announces Take Part Take Pride summer festival

Sutton Council announces Take Part Take Pride summer festival

Sutton Council has announced its Take Part Take Pride summer festival.

Read Article ... Published on 20th May, 2015

Brent Council teams with Brent Housing Partnership in new project

Brent Council teams with Brent Housing Partnership in new project

Brent Council has partnered with the Brent Housing Partnership as it aims to improve the standard of housing for local people.

Read Article ... Published on 19th May, 2015

Gardeners prepare for Islington In Bloom

Gardeners prepare for Islington In Bloom

Islington Council is preparing for this year’s “In Bloom” event by teaming up with local gardeners to identify the best greenery available in the area.

Read Article ... Published on 15th May, 2015

New fitness centre set to open in Manor Park

New fitness centre set to open in Manor Park

A new fitness centre is expected to be opened in Manor Park by Newham Council. 

Read Article ... Published on 15th May, 2015

A new cycle scheme has been planned for Merton.

Merton: Borough bids to become centre of cycle safety

Do you want a Short Let?

Do you want a Commercial Let?



Like this?
Share this
Follow Net-Lettings
Facebook Net-Lettings.co.uk Twitter Net-Lettings.co.uk RSS Feed
Follow Estates IT
Facebook Estates IT Twitter Estates IT RSS Feed

Net-Lettings.co.uk

Net-Lettings.co.uk was one of the first property and agent directory websites on the internet launched in 1996. We still believe in simplicity today. Use this London Lettings Directory for all your rental property needs whether a Tenant or Landlord.

Subscribe to RSS feed, or bookmark us so you do not miss any London News Articles we publish.

London Areas

London is a diverse community of people. There are many areas to choose from we have around 245 that appear on the map and approximately 338 total London areas. Here are just a few of the latest hot areas.

Letting Agents Docklands
Letting Agents Camden
Letting Agents Notting Hill
Letting Agents St John's Wood

Advertising & Sales

This site offers Letting Agents low cost effective advertising of their web site. We are not a Letting Agency but connect you directly Lettings Agents in your required area. Letting Agents see below options available with Net-Lettings. You can contact or follow us below.

Advertise on this site ...
Register with us ...
Need Letting Agent Software?