The Mitcham Community Forum met on Thursday 10 October 2024, discussing initiatives to promote sport and physical activity, and providing an update on the regeneration of Mitcham Town Centre. Key topics included the Borough of Sport programme, which aims to increase participation in physical activities across Merton, and ongoing efforts to revitalise Mitcham Town Centre, including new businesses, markets, and community projects.

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 programme prioritises under 16s to foster lifelong habits of activity and those over 65 for health and well-being. It also seeks 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 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. Councillor Cooper-Marbiah mentioned a grant programme for community groups that ran earlier in the year and is expected to be repeated in 2025. Another resident asked how to find out about or promote local activities. Councillor Cooper-Marbiah directed them to the online Activity Finder, where local groups can also list their events. When asked about non-resident participation, she stated that while the focus is on Merton residents, guests are generally welcome.

Mitcham Town Centre Update

Mark Warren, Mitcham Town Centre Manager, provided an update on the town centre's regeneration, highlighting new objectives derived from the Mitcham Matters consultation: Putting people first, Building positive partnerships, and Enhancing the experience. To achieve these, several new activities are underway. A pop-up youth centre, a collaboration with the Salvation Army, is running every Friday and attracting 30-50 young people per session. Planting improvements have been made around Sibthorpe Car Park with the help of St Marks Primary school pupils, and machine bulb planting is scheduled for the end of 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 demand for evening family events. Partnerships are being strengthened with local groups like Our Parks and ParkPlay, the Royal British Legion, and new Playzones. A new creative studio space is being developed in the former Morrisons site. Five new businesses have opened since February, and interest in vacant units is increasing. Future plans include organising summer events, installing new community notice boards, and further developing the market.

A resident asked about the location of the new noticeboards, and Mark Warren confirmed they would be placed near the clocktower gardens, integrated with new artwork. The suggestion of a Welcome to Mitcham sign on the roundabout near Beehive Bridge was noted, with Councillor Manly mentioning a separate project addressing gateways into Mitcham. Concerns were raised about the lack of banks and ATMs in Mitcham. Mark Warren acknowledged this as a significant issue and expressed hope that Lloyds might add another ATM, though his influence with the landowner, Clarion, is limited. Councillor Agatha noted that government is exploring banking hub options. Councillor Fraser inquired about the possibility of a mobile bank visiting Mitcham, recalling that a previous service was under-marketed. Mark Warren stated he would investigate these options. Regarding car park closures, 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. On winter events, Mark Warren confirmed Mitcham will host the Christmas light switch-on on Friday 29 November and a market on 14 December, though not on the same scale as the previous year. Councillor Cooper-Marbiah suggested improving the quality of fruit and vegetables at the market, to which Mark Warren responded that while he can speak to the licensed stallholder, he has 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 on 15 October. Hyacinth, a visually impaired resident, shared her personal experiences of navigating local bus services, describing the journey as no longer safe. While Transport for London (TfL) claims few incidents occur at these stops, Sarah Gayton stated that NFBUK has documented numerous accidents, and not enough pedestrians are reporting them. Councillor Manly emphasised the importance of educating cyclists, and Councillor Fraser noted that the increase in delivery bikes has exacerbated the problem, with insufficient police resources to enforce regulations. Sarah Gayton advised communities to write to elected officials, particularly if new schemes are proposed. The issue of dockless bikes blocking pavements was also raised, with Hyacinth highlighting the particular difficulty this presents for visually impaired individuals 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. The project focuses on energy efficiency and support during the cost-of-living crisis, providing free home energy assessments, assistance with debts and arrears, and guidance on avoiding scams. Fuel vouchers can also be provided in certain circumstances. Jonathan Green expressed confidence that attendees could implement at least two changes to reduce their energy costs. Councillor Manly asked how the Guild could increase its profile in Mitcham, and Jonathan Green stated their aim to connect with more people across the borough and collaborate with Mitcham-based groups such as Age UK and Commonside Trust.

Dee Morris, a Community Health and Well-being Champion, explained her role, funded by the NHS and MOAT housing, to integrate health and housing support. She highlighted that health is influenced by factors beyond healthcare services and emphasised the importance of supporting well-being in various ways. Dee Morris works with local surgeries and the Pollards Hill Youth Centre, focusing on the impact of the cost of living, mental health, and building partnerships. She is coordinating a new well-being studio at MOAT's offices on Wednesday mornings, offering coffee mornings, talks, and events, which are advertised through MOAT newsletters, Next Door, and partner organisations.

Open Forum

A resident raised concerns about foxes opening food waste boxes, and Councillor Martin agreed to follow up, suggesting the Fox Project charity for advice on deterring foxes. The issue of dockless bikes blocking pavements was also discussed, with Councillor Martin confirming he had raised this with the relevant Cabinet member. A resident reported incorrect yellow lines being painted in a conservation area and a road sign in Cedars Avenue being replaced with one indicating SW19, which Councillor Manly stated she had raised with officers. News on the former Nat West playing fields site was requested. Regarding the redevelopment of the Gasworks, Councillor Whelton confirmed that the planning application had been approved in the summer. Erratic postal deliveries were also mentioned. Concerns about fly-tipping were raised, and Councillor Martin advised reporting fly-tips and highlighting problem areas to ward councillors.

Date of Next Meeting

The next Conversations with the Leader meeting is scheduled for 7 pm on 12 November at Vestry Hall. The Mitcham 'Assembly' will take place at 7 pm on Thursday 21 January 2025 at Vestry Hall. The next Mitcham Community Forum meeting is scheduled for 7:15 pm on Thursday 27 February 2025, with the venue to be confirmed.