The Mitcham Community Forum met on Thursday 10 October 2024 to discuss initiatives for promoting sport and physical activity, updates on the regeneration of Mitcham town centre, and local support services. Key discussions included the Borough of Sport initiative, efforts to revitalise Mitcham town centre with new businesses and community events, and the work of the Warm and Well project and Community Health and Well-being Champions.

Borough of Sport

Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage, presented the Borough of Sport initiative, which aims to leverage Merton's sporting heritage to encourage physical activity for all residents. The initiative prioritises under 16s and those over 65, while also working to remove barriers for people with disabilities and those from less affluent backgrounds. Specific activities in Mitcham include free swimming for over 65s and dementia-friendly swimming sessions at Canons Leisure Centre, alongside weekend and term-time swimming for under 16s. The council has partnered with Equip to provide free or low-cost sports equipment at Tamworth Rec and Oakleigh Way tennis courts. Additionally, ParkPlay is delivering fitness and exercise sessions in local parks such as Canons House, Sherwood Rec, Mitcham Eastfields, and Fair Green, with Walking Netball also available at The Canons. A resident inquired about grant opportunities for sports equipment for a new youth club at St Marks, and Councillor Cooper-Marbiah mentioned a grant programme for community groups that is hoped to be repeated in 2025. Residents can find information on local activities through an online Activity Finder.

Mitcham Town Centre Update

Mark Warren, Mitcham Town Centre Manager, provided an update on regeneration efforts, highlighting new objectives derived from the Mitcham Matters consultation: Putting people first, Building positive partnerships, and Enhancing the experience. To achieve these, a pop-up youth centre, run in conjunction with the Salvation Army, is attracting 30-50 young people weekly. Improvements to planting around Sibthorpe Car Park have been made with St Marks Primary school pupils, and machine bulb planting is scheduled for late October, with bulbs also being given to residents. A mural project on a refurbished basketball court in Armsfield Crescent is expected by the end of 2024. New Mitcham market banners, designed based on resident feedback, are being installed, and the Second Saturday market continues monthly, with no registration fee to encourage small businesses. A street food event, the Dinner Club, indicated a desire for family-friendly evening events. The council is also collaborating with local groups like Our Parks and ParkPlay, and a new creative studio space is being developed in the former Morrisons site. Five new businesses have opened since February, and vacant units are attracting increased interest. Future plans include organising summer events, installing new community notice boards, and further developing the market. A resident raised concerns about the lack of banks and ATMs in Mitcham, a point Mark Warren acknowledged as significant. Councillor Agatha noted that government is exploring banking hub options, and Councillor Fraser suggested a mobile bank service, recalling a previous unsuccessful attempt due to poor marketing. Mark Warren stated he would investigate these options. Regarding car parks, Mark Warren explained that Mitcham is primarily a local centre, and current car parks are not at capacity, with car usage integration into wider redevelopment being a longer-term plan. Councillor Manly highlighted the need for more disabled parking bays. The winter wonderland event will not be repeated on the same scale as last year, but Mitcham will host the Christmas light switch-on on Friday 29 November, with a market on 14 December. Councillor Cooper-Marbiah suggested improving the quality of fruit and vegetables at the market, to which Mark Warren responded that while he could speak to the licensed stallholder, he had no direct influence.

National Federation of the Blind of the UK

Sarah Gayton, Campaigns Officer for the National Federation of the Blind of the UK (NFBUK), presented on the organisation's campaign to raise awareness of the dangers posed by floating bus stops to blind and visually impaired pedestrians. She showed a video illustrating the issue and mentioned an upcoming event in Parliament. A visually impaired resident shared personal experiences of unsafe bus journeys. While TfL claims few incidents occur, NFBUK reports numerous accidents, with many not being reported. Councillor Manly emphasised the importance of educating cyclists, and Councillor Fraser noted that the increase in delivery bikes exacerbates the problem, with insufficient police resources to enforce rules. Sarah Gayton advised that communities can help by writing to elected officials, particularly if new schemes are proposed. Councillor Manly also raised the issue of dockless bikes obstructing pavements, which Hyacinth, a local visually impaired resident, described as a significant problem, especially on narrow pavements. Sarah Gayton stated these bikes should be docked off the pavement.

Local Services Update

Jonathan Green from Wimbledon Guild introduced the Warm and Well project, which offers a range of services for individuals aged 18 and over, including fitness classes, social groups, a wellbeing service for those over 50, and a welfare grants programme. The project focuses on energy efficiency and support during the cost-of-living crisis, providing free home energy assessments, assistance with debts and arrears, advice on avoiding scams, and, in some cases, fuel vouchers. Councillor Manly inquired about raising the profile of the Guild's work in Mitcham, and Jonathan Green expressed a desire to connect with more people across the borough and collaborate with Mitcham-based groups. Dee Morris, a Community Health and Well-being Champion, explained her role in integrating health and housing support, funded by the NHS and MOAT housing. She works with local surgeries and youth centres, addressing the impact of the cost of living and mental health. Dee Morris is coordinating a new well-being studio at Moat's offices on Wednesday mornings, offering coffee mornings, talks, and events.

Open Forum

During the open forum, a resident raised concerns about foxes opening food waste boxes, and Councillor Martin agreed to follow up, suggesting the charity The Fox Project for advice on deterring foxes. Another resident asked about resolving the issue of dockless bikes, with Councillor Martin confirming he had raised this with the relevant Cabinet member. Concerns were also raised about incorrect yellow lines being painted in a conservation area and a misplaced road sign in Cedars Avenue, which Councillor Manly stated she had reported to officers. There was an inquiry about the former Nat West playing fields site, and Councillor Whelton confirmed that the planning application for the redevelopment of the Gasworks had been approved in the summer. A resident reported erratic postal deliveries, and another asked about fly-tipping, with Councillor Martin advising that problem spots can be reported to ward councillors.