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ISSUE 79
AUTUMN 2019
mymerton
news and information from your council
f
a pair o
Win ets for
tick
a i n s
Curt mbledon
Wi
at NewTheatre
Striding back to school
Climate change
emergency declared
2
The Leader of Merton Council,
Councillor Stephen Alambritis,
writes for My Merton
Even though my kids are now grown Meanwhile, across the borough, on 22 September in your diary.
up, I still get that little flurry of our new refuse service has led to Take to your feet – although don’t
anticipation as the new school year an increase in recycling, by making forget an umbrella just in case! – or
begins. Although I don’t go as far as it easier for everyone to do their bit apply for your neighbourhood to have
buying them a new pencil case, the and reduce waste. a Play Street, to remove traffic from
approach of autumn is still a time for Merton is a great place for families, a residential street so kids can kick
thinking about our children and the but poor air quality also affects around a football, or you and your
future they will have. growing children with their neighbours can have a street party.
Earlier this summer the council developing lungs and brains. So we So, whether or not you still had to
declared a Climate Emergency, also need to look at ways to cut car buy new school uniforms, I look
see page 10, as the planet faces emissions and improve air quality in forward to us all working together this
unprecedented levels of warming. the borough. I know that won’t be autumn to making Merton a healthier
Our aim is to achieve carbon easy, but we know we need to do more place now and for generations to come.
neutrality at the council within 12 to discourage car journeys where
years, and I’m looking forward to public transport is available instead.
working with colleagues to reach this. I urge you to put World Car Free Day
Councillor honoured
Part of a new housing development has been named in
tribute to one of Merton’s most popular councillors. Three
years after Labour councillor Maxi Martin sadly passed
away, Haig Housing, which provides homes for veterans
and their families, has launched Maxi Martin Court.
The development, with 68 energy efficient new homes,
is in St Helier ward which Cllr Martin served for 18 years.
The Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen
Alambritis, said: “It is a fitting tribute to Maxi’s tireless
work for the community, particularly children and young
people and members of the armed forces and their families.”
Cllr Martin was appointed the Cabinet Member for
Children’s Services in 2010 and served as Mayor of Merton
from 2003 until 2004. The councillor was a frequent
visitor to Haig Housing headquarters which is located in
the ward she represented. Left to right: The Leader of Merton
Council, Cllr Stephen Alambritis;
Haig Housing Chief Executive, Brigadier James Cllr Maxi Martin’s son Paul Martin;
Richardson said: “This special commemorative opening, Cabinet Member for Voluntary Sector,
pays tribute to a much-loved local councillor who was both Partnerships and Community Safety,
Cllr Edith Macauley; MP for Mitcham
the Borough’s Armed Forces Champion and a special and Morden Siobhain McDonagh;
friend of our residents and the trust.” Deputy Leader of Merton Council and Cabinet Member
Councillor Martin died peacefully in her sleep during for Finance, Cllr Mark Allison; Armed Forces Champion
Cllr Dennis Pearce. Inset: Cllr Martin
the evening of 6 April 2016 following an illness.
mymerton
merton
3
proud to be a Fairtrade borough
Issue 79 • Autumn 2019
merton.gov.uk
Do it online
For information about council
services or to report it, pay it or apply
for it online, visit merton.gov.uk
Contents
My Merton is published quarterly and
is distributed to 86,000 households in
Back to school
Giving Merton children the best start in life 10
the borough. Clean air
For details about advertising and Find out why
editorial deadlines, please visit Merton is
merton.gov.uk/mymerton declaring a
Climate Change
Emergency
Follow us
www.facebook.com/mertoncouncil
@Merton_Council
@whatsoninmerton
www.youtube.com/mertoncouncil
14
Warm
Keep up to date with the latest news and
in our newsroom: news.merton.gov.uk well
Find out what’s on and post your Keeping
own event on our events calendar: older
residents
9
merton.gov.uk/events
healthy
The London Borough of Merton
does not accept responsibility for or
endorse any products or services Pupils from Merton Abbey Primary School, putting
offered by advertisers. their best feet forward on the Rainbow Crossing in
Wimbledon, installed to support the LGBTQ+ community
Whenever you see this
logo that means there’s a
volunteering opportunity
to get involved in.
My Merton is:
Community
Distributed by London Letterbox
News Environment
020 8940 0666
The latest news from Recycling – it’s in our
www.londonletterbox.co.uk
Designed by Domino4
around the borough 4 own hands 20
01932 988677, andrew@domino4.co.uk
www.domino4.co.uk
Features Community safety
Consultation on crime
Printed by Cliffe Enterprise Print
Partnership 0845 601 9478
Working life and anti-social behaviour 22
Conor McCormack on special
ben@cliffe-enterprise.com
www.cliffe-enterprise.com educational needs support 13 What’s on
Your guide to all that’s going
My Merton costs only 12p a copy to produce. The magazine Enforcement in action on in Merton this autumn 25
is printed on fully recyclable paper, which is accredited
by the PEFC Council (Programme for the Endorsement
Combatting enviro-crime 16
of Forest Certification schemes). This edition of My Merton 5 minutes with...
is distributed from 12 September 2019. History Dr Mohan Sekeram from
Halloween tales from Merton 19 Wide Way Medical Centre 32
When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.
news
4
Keeping Merton informed
It’s all go for new cycle and
walking route
A traffic-free route for people new path, which runs parallel
to enjoy walking and cycling to a railway line on land owned
between Merton and Kingston by Thames Water, passes under
was officially opened at a the A3 Kingston bypass.
fun day. Merton Council collaborated
The new 1.2km tree-lined on the new route, which is part
path has made the journey of Kingston Council’s Go Cycle
between Raynes Park network, funded by Transport
Recreation Ground and New for London. National cycling
Malden Railway Station faster, charity Sustrans, which worked
safer and far more attractive. on the design and delivery of
The project has also created a the project, described the link
‘green corridor’ for people to between the two boroughs as a
enjoy the environment and ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Go
wildlife along the route. The Cycle network.
The official opening of the Go Cycle route between Merton and Kingston
£1m funding for World-class
Merton parks
community projects
The council has agreed to allocate nearly £1m from its
Neighbourhood Fund to 14 projects. Merton’s Neighbourhood
Fund comes from the charges the council makes to developers
for infrastructure or community facilities needed to support
new homes and businesses in the borough.
A key component of awarding funding was ensuring that
projects would contribute to Merton’s community plans and
priorities. More than £405,000 of funding has been
earmarked for projects that help address income, health, and Six Merton parks have kept their all its open spaces. The parks
skills gaps between the east and west of the borough. These prestigious Green Flag awards. awarded the internationally-
include supporting Commonside Community Development The award flags up that an open recognised Green Flag accolade
Trust’s projects for residents on the Pollards Hill estate and in space boasts the highest possible are Abbey Recreation Ground,
east Mitcham, as well as a project to make improvements to environmental standards, is Colliers Wood Recreation
the Bramcote Avenue shopping parade in Mitcham. beautifully maintained and Ground, Dundonald Recreation
A number of projects will also help support the demands has excellent visitor facilities. Ground, John Innes Park, Sir
that Wimbledon Stadium development in Plough Lane will Merton is one of the greenest Joseph Hood Memorial Playing
place on the borough, including one to renovate Haydons boroughs in London and Field and South Park Gardens.
Road shopping parade. autumn is a great season for find out more
families to make the most of www.greenflagaward.org.uk
news
5
Keeping Merton informed
Celebrating exam success
Thousands of teenagers and their teachers were Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for
praised for their hard work and achievements Schools, Councillor Eleanor Stringer, who
Love your as the results of exams were revealed.
Secondary schools in Merton have
visited Ricards Lodge High School in
Wimbledon, said: “It was a privilege to
neighbourhood continued to perform very well despite the be invited to see pupils finding out their
There are more than 850 tougher new grading system introduced GCSE results and congratulate them on
registered voluntary and for GCSEs this year. all their hard work.
community organisations, The eagerly awaited A level results “I also enjoyed meeting some of the
and hundreds more revealed 77.5% of Merton students achieved dedicated teaching staff, whose hard
informal groups in Merton, A*–C grades, which is above the national work has helped to ensure that all our
which are all working to average. 72.8% of Merton pupils have secondary schools have been rated as Good
enhance the quality of life achieved grades 9–4 for their GCSEs in both or Outstanding by Ofsted.”
for all those who live or English and maths.
work in the borough.
A recent survey found 12
per cent of Merton residents
volunteered in the past year
and many more would love
the chance to get involved
Battle for hospital services
with their local community. The Leader of Merton Council,
This year will see the Councillor Stephen Alambritis,
launch of a new Community has vowed to continue to fight
Plan for Merton outlining for St Helier Hospital to retain
the council’s ambitions for all its services.
2025 to promote greater Cllr Alambritis voiced his
participation in community concern for the future of the
life. An interactive map is hospital, following the
to be created and everyone submission of the latest
is invited to flag up Improving Healthcare Together
the voluntary groups document to NHS England.
and activities they love The document ranks three
across Merton. options for the future of the residents of Merton have St Helier in favour of a more
So don’t delay Trust, with downgrading both access to a full range of NHS affluent area, such as Belmont
share your views St Helier and Epsom Hospitals acute services on the St Helier or the Royal Marsden site,
by emailing and building a new hospital in Hospital site, including a blue would be incompatible with
policy@merton.gov.uk. Sutton coming out on top. light A&E and consultant-led the statutory duty on the
find out more Cllr Alambritis said: maternity service.” Clinical Commissioning
www.mvsc.co.uk/volunteering “We have a long-standing He said: “Attempts to relocate Group, which is about tackling
commitment to ensure that acute services away from health inequalities.”
news
6
Keeping Merton informed
Settled status Windrush tribute
for EU nationals
Merton Council is advising Under the Government’s
European Union (EU) nationals scheme, all EU nationals must
to keep aware of developments apply for UK immigration status,
regarding the country’s exit from even if they were born here or
the EU, and to ensure they apply have been living in the country
for settled status. for many years.
Up-to-date guidance on the The original deadline for
requirements for applications to applications for settled status
the EU Nationals Settlement was 30 June 2021. However,
Scheme will be posted on Merton if the country leaves the EU
Council’s website. without making an exit deal,
The council is working to the deadline for applications
ensure all its EU nationals will be 31 December 2020. Schoolchildren entertained with music and song at an
continue to feel welcome and EU nationals must have settled event to honour the outstanding contribution made by the
supported in the borough. EU status to be able to continue Caribbean community to the borough and the UK as a
nationals who live or work in to live and work in the UK. whole. Merton Council hosted a three-day event for
Merton can also contact Citizens To contact specialist Windrush Day, which marks the day in 1948 when the first
Advice Merton and Lambeth advisers at CAML, email 500 migrants from the West Indies arrived on MV Empire
(CAML) and access their free EU eusettlement@caml.org.uk or Windrush. The celebration, on Saturday 22 June, featured
Settlement Scheme support. call 020 8687 9297. performances from community steel band, Panash, and
history workshops.
WIN TICKETS
to see Harry Hill at
Wimbledon BookFest
Harry Hill opens the Festival
site on Wimbledon Common
on Friday 4th October.
For your chance to win a family ticket for 4
with lunch/dinner at the Light on the Common
simply answer the following question.
What job did TV Harry Hill do before he
became a comedian and TV presenter?
A) Doctor B) Postman C) Bus Driver
3-13 October 2019
Email your answer with contact details to
competition@wimbledonbookfest.org
(Deadline: Fri 21 September).
For full line-up and to buy tickets visit
wimbledonbookfest.org
news
7
Keeping Merton informed
Merton salutes £240k for
the Armed Forces migration
Crowds turned out to show their
appreciation of the Armed Forces service
community. The Armed Forces Day Parade
marched through the streets of Morden
support
on Saturday 29 June, following a dedicated The council successfully
service and flag raising ceremony at the bid for funding for
war memorial outside Merton Civic Centre. two projects from the
The parade was inspected by The Mayor Government.
of Merton, Councillor Janice Howard, The first project,
and the Queen’s Representative Deputy to provide additional
Lieutenant, Clare Whelan OBE. Councillor social work support for
Dennis Pearce, the council’s Armed Forces unaccompanied asylum
champion, said: “Our event was held seeking children and
to recognise and celebrate the greatly recruit local foster
valued contribution made by the Armed carers, has been awarded
Forces community.” £92,113. The project also
aims to increase the
children’s engagement in
community activities.
Thanks to 500 library volunteers Merton’s ‘migrant rough
sleeper integration project’
Merton’s award-winning has been awarded £150,000
libraries celebrated Volunteers’ to help provide assistance,
Week by saying thank you to including temporary
their volunteers for the fantastic accommodation and
contribution they make towards English language classes,
making Merton a great place as well as advice on job
for families. searching and benefits. The
More than 500 volunteers goal is to secure long-term
have contributed their time to housing solutions for
one of the borough’s seven rough sleepers.
libraries in the last year, notching
up 27,000 hours of work.
An awards ceremony was held
over the summer to recognise
the valuable contribution made.
Cabinet member for
Commerce, Leisure and Culture,
Cllr Caroline Cooper-Marbiah
School leads refugee support project
said: “Our volunteers come from Merton Council and the Merton branch of been pioneered in Merton by Raynes
all walks of life and bring a broad Citizens UK have teamed up to promote Park Community Church and Wimbledon
range of experience to their community sponsorship schemes to welcome Synagogue.
roles. People volunteer for a refugee families into the borough. The Leader of Merton Council, Councillor
variety of reasons, it might be St Marks Academy Mitcham, which is Stephen Alambritis said: “It is wonderful
to meet new people, improve working with other schools in the borough, that school children in Merton have embraced
their skills or to give something has become the first state school in the country the community sponsorship scheme to
back and make a difference to to lead a community sponsorship project. welcome and support refugees. We are hugely
their local community.” The schoolchildren have already begun raising proud that Merton organisations are leading the
To find out about the the £9,000 needed for their scheme. way in this great initiative to ensure refugees
opportunities available, visit: The community sponsorship scheme, are warmly welcomed into the community
merton.gov.uk/libraries or pop co-designed by the Government, has from the moment they arrive in our borough.”
into one of the seven libraries.
news
8
Keeping Merton informed
Celebrating Merton Funding for
schools’
schoolchildren’s writing mental
Dermot O’Leary with children from health work
Merton Park Primary School taking
part in Wimbledon BookFest An innovative project to
event this year improve the mental health
of children and young
people in Merton has
netted national funding.
The NHS in south
west London joined
forces with schools and
councils to successfully
bid for an additional
£4.3m of national funding
to deliver mental health
Children from 51 schools across Merton 300 year anniversary of Robinson Crusoe and support for youngsters
were inspired by the story of Robinson Crusoe the top entries will be published in a special and their families.
to create entries for a writing competition. Wimbledon BookFest 2019 Anthology. The cash will, in addition
The winners of Wimbledon BookFest’s More schools events for children and young to £1.85m received last year,
literary competition are to be recognised people will be held during the festival, for which increase the number of
at the festival’s event for schools at New the authors include Harry Hill, Onjali Q Rauf, young people who will to
Wimbledon Theatre on Wednesday 18 Dougie Poynter, Sam Copeland, Patrice have access to the support
September. Bestselling children’s authors Lawrence, Radio 1’s Greg James and Chris from 25,000 to 81,000
Malorie Blackman and Cressida Cowell are Smith, Blue Peter’s Konnie Huq, and Poet across the region.
to be among the attractions. Laureate Simon Armitage. Wimbledon BookFest In Merton, the funding
Hundreds of youngsters entered the Young runs its education programme with schools will allow a team to be
Writers Competition run by Wimbledon across Merton throughout the whole year. created working across
BookFest – which is to host its major event for For more information on headliners and further education colleges,
people of all ages in the Big Tent on Wimbledon events for this year’s BookFest, see the What’s and a team to focus on
Common from Thursday 3 October to on section. To win free tickets to see Harry young people with special
Sunday 13 October. The theme of the writing Hill, see page six. educational needs and
competition was ‘The Island’ in honour of the find out more www.wimbledonbookfest.org disabilities.
Everyone for tennis
Girls enjoying tennis coaching with Judy Murray
Budding tennis stars got the sessions specifically to
chance to enjoy some free encourage young girls and
training with top coaches teenagers to take up tennis.
including Judy Murray. The other guest coaches
Hundreds attended the first offering free sessions included
Middle Sunday Community Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)
Tennis Festival, held in Fed coach Anne Keothavong
Wimbledon Park tennis courts and Davis Cup captain Leon
during the Wimbledon Smith. Top British tennis
Championships. Residents players including Harriet Dart,
of all ages and sporting abilities Jay Clarke, Dom Inglot and
picked up a racket and joined Jonny O’Mara also attended. in partnership with the on the traditional day the
in a range of fun tennis The event was organised by LTA, idverde, who manage Wimbledon Championships
themed activities. the All England Lawn Tennis the borough’s tennis courts, give its grass courts the greatly
Andy Murray’s mum, Judy, Club (AELTC), which hosts The and Merton Council. The needed time to rest before the
delivered some fun coaching Wimbledon Championships, community festival was held competition’s final rounds.
feature
9
Starting a new academic year
Back to school
Families come and live in Merton because our schools provide a great
education for their children. As the autumn term begins, My Merton
studies the first-class learning opportunities the council is offering.
Apply for your child’s Back to school…for adults
school place now September also means a new term for
While pupils across the borough are getting Merton’s adult education courses. Every year
back into the school routine, September 2,000 residents enrol on more than 3,500
means thinking a year ahead for many courses; from painting and clothes making
families. If your child is due to start to guitar and public speaking. There are
reception class or secondary school in also specific courses for people with learning
September 2020, applications for school difficulties, aimed at helping participants to
places are now open on our website: live independently, find employment, make
merton.gov.uk/admissions. friends and develop hobbies. Find out more
Choosing a new school can be a daunting at merton.gov.uk/adultlearning.
prospect – but it needn’t be. All Merton
secondary schools are rated good or Get Sugar Smart
outstanding, with some among the best It is well documented that eating too much simple, healthy swaps. Visit sugarsmartuk.org
performing in the country for student sugar is bad for children’s health, leading or nhs.uk/change4life for tips and recipes for
progress. Plus, more than 85% of children to serious diseases such as diabetes – and healthy lunchbox staples.
were offered a place in one of their top to tooth decay. But for parents, keeping l Soft drinks make up a huge proportion
three preferred secondary schools this year. school lunchboxes and snacks healthy can of many children’s sugar intake, so swap
At primary level too, 93% of schools are be a real challenge. for water, plain milk or sugar free drinks.
good or outstanding and 95% of parents Merton Council has signed up to the l Add fresh fruit to plain yoghurt instead
received one of their preferences. national Sugar Smart campaign, aimed at of buying sweetened ones.
If you’re getting ready to make your helping families take control of their sugar l Download the Change4Life Sugar Smart
application, here are five tips from the consumption – by understanding the app to see how much sugar is in your
council’s school admissions team: hidden sugars in everyday foods and making favourite foods.
1 Maximise your chances of getting
a school you’re happy with by using
all six of your preferences.
New term – check their vaccinations
Unfortunately, cases of measles
2 Read the application booklets
carefully, paying attention to the
schools’ individual criteria. Be aware
and mumps are on the rise in
London. These extremely
infectious diseases can be serious,
of how places were offered in the past so please take time to check
– if you live 700m from a school and whether your children have had
it’s never been offered beyond 400m, two doses of the MMR (measles,
you’re unlikely to get a place. mumps, rubella) vaccination and
3 Use your preferences as a wish
list but make sure that some are
realistic. If you don’t get one of your
their pre-school booster. It is also
worth checking if you have had
MMR vaccine yourself, especially
higher preferences, you automatically if you are planning a pregnancy.
go on the waiting list. To find out, check your child’s
4 Visit all your local schools and
attend open days – don’t rely on
Ofsted and league tables or listen to what
Red Book, contact your GP or
health visitor or go to nhs.uk/mmr
other families are saying. Fight the flu this autumn
5 Remember that you must apply for
a place by the deadline, regardless
of whether your child has siblings at your
All primary school-aged, and pre-school children aged two and three, are now eligible
for free flu vaccinations, offered as a nasal spray. Parents of pre-school children
should contact their GP, while the older group will be offered the vaccine at school.
preferred school or attends nursery there. Find out more at nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
feature
10
Tackling toxic air
Actions to tackle a
climate emergency
Merton Council has stepped up its commitment to combatting
carbon emissions and rising temperatures, by declaring a Climate
Change Emergency – find out how everyone can play their part.
2019
has certainly been
the year when
people sat up and
took notice of the threat global warming
poses to our environment. The films of
David Attenborough, the words of Greta From left: Merton
Conservatives
Thunberg and the actions of high profile Leader, Councillor
protesters all got people talking about Nick McLean,
the need to act on climate change. Merton Council
Leader, Councillor
Human activity has led global Stephen Alambritis,
temperatures to rise by 1°C since pre- Merton Liberal
industrial times. Scientists have warned Democrat Group
Leader, Councillor
that a rise of 2°C would have a catastrophic Anthony Fairclough
impact on the planet, but carry on as we and Merton Park
are, and global temperatures could rise by Ward Independent
Residents Group
as much as 3°C. Even keeping the rise in Leader, Councillor
temperature to a global target of 1.5°C Peter Southgate
requires drastic and urgent action.
Here in Merton, government data shows emissions; by making their homes and council’s carbon neutral action plan,
that residents and businesses in the businesses more energy efficient, switching which will be announced early next year.
borough produced over half a million to a green energy supplier, choosing to Cllr Byers said: “Our climate strategy,
tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions walk, cycle or use public transport instead which has been in place since 2014, has
last year. The gas and electricity used to of driving and replacing a petrol or diesel already delivered many changes. We are
heat, light and power homes and other vehicle with an electric one. taking a fresh look and will invigorate
buildings, along with petrol and diesel Residents can get involved now, initially our efforts. The declaration of a climate
vehicles, produce the most emissions. by taking part in a survey on the council’s emergency is the first major step to
The council has responded to the website. Your views will contribute to the accelerating change.”
crisis by joining 90 other local authorities
across the UK, including the London
Resident
Assembly, in declaring a climate Susan Fussell
emergency. Cabinet member with making a
responsibility for the environment, pledge for
Clean Air Day
Cllr Tobin Byers put the motion to the
council on 10 July, when it received
unanimous, cross-party support.
For the council, declaring a climate
emergency means aiming to ensure
council buildings, vehicles and procured
services are carbon neutral by 2030.
We will also work with residents and
businesses towards making the whole
borough carbon neutral by 2050.
This will involve supporting people to
make the individual choices that together
could add up to a big reduction in carbonfeature
11
Tackling toxic air
Improving air quality.
Many actions that tackle climate change
Play Streets for.
will also reduce toxic pollution locally and World Car Free Day.
make the air cleaner in Merton. With The council is backing World Car Free
almost 10,000 deaths across London Day on Sunday 22 September and
attributed to air pollution each year, we everyone can join in by ditching the
have made it a top priority to work with car for the day. It’s a great opportunity
residents to find local solutions. for a party, and to encourage groups of
As reported in past issues of My Merton, neighbours to organise Play Street events
these have included walking and cycling the council waived the fee for road
initiatives, monitoring and action to improve closures. Around 20 roads are set to
the air outside schools, more electric car close on the day so children can play
charging points and the diesel levy to safely and freely in them. Everyone can
discourage the most polluting vehicles. help celebrate World Car Free Day by
We’ve also held Air Quality Days in some taking journeys on foot, by bike or via public transport. merton.gov.uk/playstreets
schools, with advice about harmful pollutants
and healthy walking routes to reduce car use
and congestion on nearby roads.
In June, the council marked national
Clean Air Day with an event in Wimbledon
Piazza to showcase the actions people can
take to reduce their impact on local air
pollution, such as walking, cycling and
switching from petrol or diesel to electric Anti-idling campaign.
cars. Many people came along to make In the spring, we launched our campaign
clean air pledges, including to walk and Electric cars. to encourage drivers to switch off their
cycle to work. We want to make it easier for residents to engines while waiting near schools and at
swap petrol and diesel cars for an electric busy junctions. Resident volunteers talked
vehicle, so we have already installed over to drivers about the dangers of idling and
Cycling. 100 electric vehicle points and plan to add we installed ‘No Idling’ signs at key
To encourage cycling, the council many more over coming years, including locations to remind drivers to switch off
provides free Bikeability training for in residential areas. their engines while waiting. Since then,
children and adults, aimed at everyone, We’ve supported the establishment of we’ve received funding from the Mayor of
from total beginner to commuter level. electric car clubs for people who only need London’s air quality action fund for a three
Last year we trained 712 adults and a car occasionally and we’ve reduced the year-project to deliver coordinated
2,611 children as well as providing public cost of residents’ permits to £20 a year for campaigns with other boroughs to reduce
Dr Bike maintenance sessions. electric vehicles. idling across London.
find out more
To find out more about the council’s response to the climate change
emergency visit merton.gov.uk/climatechange
For free cycle training visit cyclinginstructor.comCOMPETITION
Win two tickets
to Curtains
To win two
tickets to see
Curtains, visit
at New Wimbledon Theatre merton.gov.uk/
mymerton to
A musical ‘whodunnit’ from the creators of enter and
Chicago and Cabaret which has audiences answer the following question.
laughing and guessing to the final curtain. The
entire cast and crew are suspects in this Tony Jason Manford played inventor Caractus Potts
in which musical about a famous flying car?
award-winning backstage murder mystery.
a) Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Jason Manford, famed for his role in the Chitty
b) Back to the Future
Chitty Bang Bang musical, plays local detective c) Blade Runner
and huge musical theatre fan, Frank Cioffi. Closing date for entries: Friday 25 October 2019.
The show also features Strictly Come Dancing
star and television presenter Ore Oduba, who Terms and conditions: The tickets are non-transferable.
There are no cash alternatives, accommodation or travel included in the
plays Aaron Fox, and renowned musical theatre prize. The competition is for two tickets to see Curtains at New Wimbledon
actress Carley Stenson. Theatre, valid on Tuesday 14 January 2020.
Courses for work, life and
wellbeing
Distance Learning Courses Merton Adult Education
FREE short courses leading to nationally recognised Learn something new with one of our exciting Adult Education
qualifications which you can study in your own time. courses.
We have a range of short distance learning courses from the A wide range of subject areas are on offer, including:
awarding body NCFE, which can be completed in 4 – 8 weeks. • Business
These are fully funded, meaning there is no cost to the learner. • Cake Decorating and Cookery
On completion you will gain a nationally recognised Level 2 • Childcare and Health Care
• Computing and IT
qualification.
• Creative Arts
Courses on offer include: • Hair and Complementary Therapy
• Understand Specific Learning Difficulties • Languages
• Music
• Understanding Autism
• Musical Instrument Making and Repair
• Understanding Behaviour that Challenges
• Teaching and Training
• Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health • Training for Work
• Understanding Common Childhood Illnesses • Wellbeing
• Understanding Nutrition and Health
• Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent Courses that fit around your lifestyle and working day,
• Equality and Diversity including Saturday courses. The quickest way to enrol is online,
but you can also enrol by phone or in person. Whichever
Eligibility way you enrol you will need to show proof of your identity
Lived in the EU for three years and aged 19+. You will need to to complete your enrolment. Suitable ID includes a passport,
be confident with written English in order to meet the required birth certificate, driving licence or Freedom Pass. For the latest
standards. For further information about the courses or course information, check our website merton.ac.uk.
enrolling, please contact martina.collett@stcg.ac.uk
(020 8408 6620) or book your assessment via the website at /adulteducationmerton
@AdultEdMerton
merton.ac.uk/distance-learning /adulteducationmerton
Merton College, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5QX Tel: 020 8918 7777
MyMerton.indd 1 02/08/2019 10:02working life
13
Supporting families
Helping SEND youngsters
achieve their ambitions
Ensuring every child has a great start in life is a key
priority for Merton Council. My Merton caught up with
Conor McCormack, who supports children and young
people with special educational needs to help them
achieve their ambitions.
C
onor McCormack is one of their ambitions and where they want to be a positive pathway. It may not be the path
Merton’s Senior Case Officers in future.” they anticipated, but they can see hope,
within the Special Educational For Conor, the highlight of the job is I think that’s my favourite part.”
Needs Team. Conor carries out being able to support families, who may If parents have concerns about a child,
education, health and care need assessments initially find it difficult to navigate the whether health or education-related,
of children with special educational needs sometimes complex world of SEND Conor’s advice is to keep an open dialogue
and disabilities (SEND). Conor also oversees support and the statutory processes. with the relevant professionals or contact
the implementation of their Education, He said: “It can sometimes be difficult the council’s SEND team.
Health and Care Plans, which set out the for families. This is likely to be the first He said: “Every child is unique and there
additional support they need to thrive in time they are going through the process. are always options out there, so don’t feel like
school or college. Every case is different, Some parents are just becoming aware that you’re in the dark. Speak to your child’s GP,
and the reasons why children and young their child has additional needs. their class teacher, Special Educational Needs
people require an Education, Health and “One of the things I enjoy is building up Co-ordinator or us. We’ll work with you to
Care plan varies greatly. that relationship; seeing them understand support what you’re already doing – looking
Conor said: “Our service works with more about their child’s needs and having out for the best interests of your child.”
children from birth to 25. I have children in
my caseload as young as two, as well as
people up to the age of 23.” Did you know about the M-Card?
“Post-16, we focus on preparing young If your child has special educational needs or a disability, contact us now to get hold of the
people for adulthood. It’s not just about M-Card. This concession card, issued by the council, is accepted at museums, theme parks,
education, but also employment. football clubs and many more venues and offers discounted admissions and assistance.
“The focus, with all our work, is on the Families can apply online at merton.gov.uk/localoffer – eligibility criteria apply.
young person themselves; we’re guided byfeature
14
Supporting residents
Stay warm and
well this winter
Supporting residents to have healthy
and enjoyable lives is a top priority
for Merton Council all year round. This
is why we are supporting a campaign
to keep the borough’s older residents
warm and well over the winter months.
T
he weather may still be mild, but, with autumn on the
way, Merton Council is supporting a campaign aimed
at helping older people stay warm and well this winter.
It’s estimated that, nationally, an extra 50,000 people
die during the winter months – with the majority aged over 75.
The chance of being admitted to hospital following a fall is much
higher in winter too.
The council is working with local organisations, Wimbledon
Guild and Age UK Merton, to help people prepare for winter;
sharing advice about keeping warm, being healthy and staying
out of hospital.
The campaign started last winter and we are now busy
planning for the coming winter to make sure more Merton
residents stay warm and well as the weather starts to get colder.
As part of the campaign, local residents are receiving a Warm
and Well pack. The pack has details of organisations in the
borough offering lunch clubs, social activities and friendship.
It also includes the Winter Wrapped Up guide from Age UK,
full of useful tips for keeping yourself and your home warm
when temperatures plummet.feature
15
Supporting residents
Five things you can do
now to prepare for winter
1 3
Make sure you have a flu jab
Flu jabs are free for people over 65, if you
have certain long-term health conditions
Join Merton’s Mascot
Telecare service
The service, for older people and those with
or are a carer. Flu is an unpleasant illness, disabilities, brings 24-hour assistance at
which could see you laid low for a week or
more. As you get older, catching flu
the touch of a button, whenever you need it,
for a monthly fee. It provides reassurance When the cold
becomes more risky, with the chance that
it may develop into pneumonia. Flu viruses
for you and your loved ones that help is on
hand, should you have a fall or feel anxious
weather hits…
change each year, so it’s important to have about something. An enhanced service It’s really important to look after
your jab annually, and as early as possible. includes visits from a mobile response yourself and stay warm. Exposure to
You can get your flu jab now from your team and access to a free handyperson. extreme cold, even for a short time,
GP or many local pharmacies. can raise your blood pressure, putting
Ask your GP about the pneumo jab you at risk of a heart attack or stroke.
too. This one-off vaccination helps protect
you against pneumonia, meningitis Make sure you:
and septicaemia. l Keep moving – don’t sit still for
more than an hour at a time.
l Eat at least one hot meal a day
and drink several hot drinks.
l Wear lots of thin layers of clothing,
which keep you cosy by trapping
warm air between them.
4 Find out if you’re entitled to
help with your heating bills
If you’re reluctant to turn up the heating
l Choose boots with non-slip soles
and a warm lining, or wear thermal
socks when you’re out and about.
because of the cost, you may be entitled to l Ask your family or friends if they
help with your bills. Contact Age UK for a could call or visit more often during
benefits check and to find out if you may a period of cold weather.
be eligible for any other financial support.
2 Get your home winter-ready
Getting your heating system serviced
every year ensures it is running safely and
Merton residents struggling to afford to
keep warm may also qualify for help from
Wimbledon Guild.
efficiently – always use a qualified Gas
find out more
Safe-registered engineer. If you’re renting,
your landlord should check your gas heating
system and appliances at least once a year too.
5 Reduce the risk of a fall
A grab rail to at your front or back door
could prevent a fall in icy weather. Rails
Warm and Well packs are
available from Merton libraries
Extra tip – avoid burst pipes, in inside your home – in your shower and For Wimbledon Guild visit
particularly cold weather, by making sure along your stairs – could be a big help too. wimbledonguild.co.uk or call 020 8946 0735
you can turn off your water if needed. Find Contact Age UK Merton for advice about For Mascot visit mascot-telecare.org.uk
your stopcock (the main tap controlling installation. Keeping a mixture of salt and or call 020 8274 5940
your water supply) and check that it is easy sand handy to put on steps or paths in icy For Age UK Merton visit ageuk.org.uk/
to turn. If it’s jammed, you may need to weather is also a good idea – ask a friend or merton or call 020 8648 5792
replace it. relative to get some from a DIY store.feature
16
Enforcement in action
Join our campaign
to beat the fly-tippers
Fly-tipping can impact negatively on everyone’s quality of life.
Read on to find out how everyone can play
their part in making Merton’s streets cleaner.
W
e know that, as residents, you take a pride in
3
your borough and that fly-tipping is major cause Become a Street Champion – be the
of annoyance. Clearing up litter and dumped eyes and ears of your community,
rubbish also costs Merton Council taxpayers telling us about fly-tipping and
millions of pounds a year. Fly-tipping is criminal activity, and other local issues. We also
we are taking a zero tolerance approach to tackling it; using help Street Champions
CCTV surveillance and information from residents to bring
organise regular litter
4
prosecutions wherever possible. To help us, there are five
picking events. Visit
things you can do now:
merton.gov.uk/streetchampions
4 If you’re having building work
done – make sure that anyone who
1
removes your building waste is licensed
Report any fly-tipping, to do so. If someone is offering to take
dumped rubbish or your waste at a bargain price, chances
are it will end up tipped on council or
items of furniture left in private land. Should this happen, you
your local area by visiting could be held responsible and
4 8
face a hefty fine and
merton.gov.uk/flytipping a criminal record.
5 You can dispose of your bulky
2 Be responsible with your own waste, furniture and a host of other
waste – if you dump bags of rubbish items at our recycling centre, Garth
beside a litter bin or outside a closed Road in Morden. If you can’t get to the
charity shop, this counts as fly-tipping recycling centre, book a bulky waste
4
and could lead to a £400 fine. If a litter collection at a cost of £30 for up to
bin is full, please take your rubbish three items, or £50 for four to six items
home. You can also help us by only – visit merton.gov.uk/waste.
8
using litter bins for small
items of rubbish – never
force bags of household
waste into them.
Fly-tippers we
are watching y ufeature
17
Enforcement in action
Enforcement in action ZERO TOL
ZERO
Landlord TOLERANCE
operating
unlicensed HMO ordered JAIL
Rogue trader ZERO to LERA
TOpay NCE £4,000
nearly
finally behind bars JAILED The council has
successfully prosecuted FIN
JAILED
A rogue builder who a landlord for flouting
sought to evade justice the law that protects
shut
by leaving the county has the health and safety of private tenants.
been jailed for more than Fouad Ahmad, from Streatham pleaded guilty to failing to
four years, following a prosecution led by Merton Council’s
trading standards officers. FINED FINED
register a house in multiple occupancy, known as an HMO,
at Lavender Hill Magistrates Court in Battersea on Tuesday 6
Cold-calling Joseph Horner conned homeowners, on their August. The 48-year-old was handed a fine of £1,965 for the
own doorsteps, into paying hundreds of pounds for building breach of Section 72(1) of the Housing Act 2004 and was
shut down
works, many of which were unnecessary or carried out to an ordered to pick up the council’s bill for costs which was
inadequate standard. The fraudster led a group who targeted
elderly and vulnerable residents across Merton, Wandsworth
shut
£1,750, in addition to a surcharge of £196.
down
Following a tip off expressing concerns over a two-storey
and Slough over a five-month period in 2012. He was arrested house in Beecholme Avenue in Mitcham, an investigation was
in August 2012 and bailed to attend a crown court but failed launched by Merton Council’s Housing Enforcement Officers.
ZERO TOLERANCE
to appear. Horner left the country, however, he was arrested The officers discovered that despite the fact more than five
when he returned in May this year. unrelated housemates were sharing bathroom and kitchen
Horner pleaded guilty to Fraud Act offences at Kingston facilities at the terraced house,
Crown Court on Friday 23 August and was sentenced to Mr Ahmed had not applied for an HMO licence. Mr Ahmed
JAILED
three years and nine months in prison. The 51-year-old, from was prosecuted under updated terms of The Housing Act
Slough was also given a six month sentence for a Bail Act 2004 – which since last October have stipulated that all
offence which is to be served consecutively. HMO’s in the borough with five or more people making up
two or more households must be registered as an HMO.
Previously the requirement for a HMO licence only applied to
Tackling anti-social FINED
houses of three storeys or more.
ZERO TOL
behaviour The council hopes this prosecution sends out a strong
message that it will take tough action on any landlords
shut down
The council is also using operating illegally in Merton. The council is also working
the courts to take action
against other forms of
towards introducing a landlord licensing scheme.
JAIL
criminal behaviour which
impact on local people. When residents complained to the Recent prosecutions
FIN
council about nuisance from a particular property – large In the year to July 2019,
numbers of men loitering and visiting at all hours, as well 1,267 people received
as noise and disruption, we believed the premises to be £150 fines of for dropping
operating as a brothel and used our powers under the litter in the street –
shut
Anti-social Behaviour Act 2014 to close it down. including cigarette butts. During the same period, 38 fines,
We have since used these powers to close three further of £400 each, were issued for incidents of small-scale
brothels in the past year. We were concerned that sex fly-tipping, such as waste dumped by litter bins.
workers at the premises may have been trafficked to the UK We have also prosecuted nine people for larger-scale
or held against their will – these women were referred to fly-tipping. They each received fines of £1,200 and a
safeguarding services and others to drug and alcohol services. criminal record. During our operations, we seized vehicles
There are many ways in which we can use enforcement action linked to fly-tipping in the borough – three of these vehicles
and anti-social behaviour legislation to address issues in local were destroyed.
areas, so please contact us about concerns you have – you can
email us on asbu@merton.gov.uk.history
19
r
Original owne
ulho lland Halloween special
JB M
is said to tread
the boards at Housemaids to
ld
Wimbledon spooky stories
of
Theatre Woodside duri
ng
the 1930s
Seven Islands Pond, Mitcham, where
an eerie figure was spotted in 1990
Mysterious Merton
Halloween is an autumn highlight – the chance to revel in tales of
hauntings and unexplained events. Merton has its share of spooky
legends so, if you love a ghost story, read on for tales to give you
the shivers – or, if you’re of a nervous disposition, turn the page now.
W
imbledon Theatre, which when unexplained noises were heard working on the property were spooked
opened on Boxing Day – and housemaids reported being locked by faces appearing on a wall. The faces,
1910, is possibly our most in rooms. of women, young children and men,
haunted building. Its During the 1980s, the White House including cavaliers, grenadiers and
original owner, JB Mulholland, died in on Wimbledon Hill Road was occupied even the builder’s father, appeared after
1925, but his ghost has been sighted ever by an insurance firm. Members of wallpaper was removed from the
since, treading the boards or watching staff spoke of a room which remained living-room wall.
from his favourite seat – B27. strangely cold, despite attempts to heat James has also documented a spooky
Other apparitions to frequent the it and reported seeing the ghost of event on Mitcham Common in 1990.
theatre include a black form witnessed a friendly, well-dressed gentleman. An IT worker heading home, late at
by several audience members and a grey The spirit in question is believed to have night, saw the apparition of a young boy,
lady, seen in the gallery and even the been Mr Edward-Jones QC, who lived in soundlessly riding a bicycle. The boy
ladies’ toilet. With only her head and the house before the Second World War. turned and stared with an unnaturally
torso visible, she has been known to walk Mitcham paranormal researcher, fixed gaze, before cycling across the
through walls, uttering a menacing cackle. James Clark has written about many surface of Seven Islands Pond. It is
Woodside in Wimbledon is also local events, including the strange case believed the figure was that of 10-year-
claimed to have been the site of of a cottage on Commonside East during old Leonard Lascelles, who had drowned
poltergeist activity during the 1930s, the 1960s. The occupants and builders in the pond 70 years previously.my environment
20
10
Getting hands-on with plastic recycling
Recycling – it’s in our
Recycle Week is coming up from 23 to 29 September with the theme (Recycling)
it’s in our own hands. With plastic and its impact on the environment rarely out of
the news, the week is a chance to get people talking about cutting their own plastic
footprint, by ditching single use items and reusing and recycling where possible.
You can’t currently recycle
6 Crisp and sweet packets or wrappers
6 Film lids from the pots or trays
6 Laminated pouches
6 Plastic toys
6 Medicine packs (headache pills, etc)
6 Toothpaste tubes.
6 Plastic bottles containing hazardous chemicals –
visit merton.gov.uk/hazardouswaste to find out more
6 Polystyrene food trays
tic re cy c lin g in Merton
Plas s can recycle a
wide range of s
Merton resident placing them in their green boxe
plastic items by cans and cartons – or use the
alongside glass,cling bin for flats. can
communal recy re exactly which plastic items lled
If you’re not su te, we’ve pu
ur recycling was
be included in yovering most of them:
together a list co
s y o u can recycle:
Plastic rt, soup)
4Pots (yoghu e, ice cream)
rin
4Tubs (marga ets – for raw and cooked m m
eat,
d punn move any fil
4Trays an fruit and veg – re ,
takeaways and ent pads in the bottom of trays
lids and absorb your general rubbish Make sure you give food packaging a quick rinse, as food
and put these inbiscuit tubs and trays residue can contaminate other recyclables. Squash them
d
4Chocolate an
ttles left on up too, if you can. Lids may be included in your recycling.
4Plastic bo
uct bo ttles – triggers can be If you’re running out of space in your green boxes,
od
4Cleaning pr es (shampoo, shower gel)
Cos metics bo ttl ilk) you can order additional ones from the council. Our new
4
ttles (juice, squash, m green boxes each come with a lid. Visit merton.gov.uk/
4Drinks bo
recycling and click on get a new bin.
Cans, glass bottles, jars, cartons, and foil go in your green
boxes too – but no paper. All paper and card must go in
your blue-lidded wheelie bin. However, flats with communal
recycling bins can mix their cans, glass, plastic and
cartons with their paper and card in their communal bins.
When you’re collecting your recycling, remember to
include things from every room of the house – bathroom
items, such as shampoo bottles and toothpaste boxes,
sometimes get missed. Don’t just recycle at home, make
sure you use recycling facilities at work if you have them.my environment
21
Getting hands-on with plastic recycling
own hands Bags of recycling
Merton’s recycling collections don’t currently include
plastic bags, but did you know that you can take your
old bags to larger branches of major supermarkets?
This includes shopping bags, which are no longer usable,
but also: bread bags; fruit bags; cereal liners; shrink
wrap from multipacks of cans; dry cleaning bags;
magazine wrappers; bubblewrap.
You can’t recycle crisp packets, salad bags or cling
film at these facilities.
If you receive online shopping deliveries, ask for a
bag-free delivery or hand your unwanted bags back to
the driver for recycling.
Textile and
battery recycling
Remember, we now collect
textiles and batteries each
What happens to plastic recycling? week. Place these items in bags
The plastic bottles, tubs, pots and trays, which you place alongside your household waste
in your Merton recycling bin go to one of three special or recycling and we will pick
plants where they are sorted by hand, then by colour them up.
and type using lasers. Plastic is then shredded, melted
down and reformed into pellets, which are used to make
new and useful items – from fleeces and football tops to
toys and even picnic benches.
Say NO to plastic Garden
While recycling your plastics is
an undeniably good thing,
recycling
reducing consumption in the first Spend more time in your
place is even better. Since the garden and less time at
plastic bag tax was introduced in the local tip. Did you
2015, single use of plastic know Merton Council
carriers has fallen dramatically. offers a garden waste
The same is starting to happen with water bottles, collection service for
takeaway coffee cups and plastic straws too. residents? Have your
Here are a few more ideas: garden waste collected
4Choose loose fruit and vegetables at the supermarket from your home every two weeks for £75 per year
– or shop at markets instead (that’s just £2.88 per collection). The collected
4Invest in reusable food covers instead of single waste is composted.
use cling film Visit merton.gov.uk/gardenwaste for details on
4Go for glass or aluminium containers when buying items how to sign up or to renew an annual subscription.
such as ketchup, mayonnaise, peanut butter or syrup
4Go back to using a bar of
soap over hand washes
and shower gels
4Buy meat, fish and deli
items from the counter in
Find out more about
supermarkets or independent recycling in Merton at
shops, taking your own
reusable containers with you merton.gov.uk/recyclingcommunity safety
22
Keeping all our residents safe
Your views on
community safety count
Although Merton is one of the safest boroughs, the council wants to do all
it can to ensure the safety of residents. This is why we have now launched
our biggest consultation on crime and anti-social behaviour in five years.
Make sure your views are heard.
T
he Safer Merton Partnership wants to
hear your views, concerns and issues
around crime and anti-social behaviour in
the borough, as part of the biggest
consultation to take place on these issues in five
years. So, whether you’re concerned about gangs,
worried about drug dealing or annoyed by street
drinking, we want to hear from you. You can take
part by completing a short survey before 13 October
2019 – visit merton.gov.uk/safer-merton-consultation
or pick up a hard copy in local libraries. Your views
will help shape our priorities for the next five years.
Seasonal safety tips
Happy Halloween
If your family is out celebrating Halloween this year, make sure you do so
safely and considerately:
l Don’t knock on doors if there’s a No Trick or Treat poster – stick to houses
with pumpkins or decorations to show you’re welcome.
l Look carefully before crossing the road; you may not be visible in a dark costume.
l No tricks please! Throwing eggs or flour is anti-social and could land you
in trouble.
l If you feel anxious about unwanted callers at Halloween, download a free
No Trick or Treat poster from the Merton neighbourhood watch website
mertonnhw.co.uk.
Knife crime update Fireworks
While Merton is one of London’s safest boroughs, With fireworks night coming up, stay safe by visiting one of the borough’s
the impact of knife crime on young people in the stunning displays – currently celebrating 50 years since the first event. This year,
capital is a concern for us all. In the last issue of shows are to be held on Saturday 2 November in Morden Park and on Tuesday
My Merton we reported on a knife crime summit, 5 November in Wimbledon Park – visit merton.gov.uk/fireworks to book.
bringing together residents and businesses with If you are holding your own display, remember never to throw fireworks
the police, council and other agencies, to work or put them in your pocket and don’t return to a firework once lit. For more
together to find solutions. We asked people to safety advice, visit london-fire.gov.uk.
pledge support in many ways, from offering
apprenticeships to talking to their children about Neighbourhood Watch
the dangers of gangs. You can find out more about Sadly, the darker evenings tend to coincide with an increase in burglaries. If you’re
the summit and how to get involved by emailing out for the evening, or don’t return from work until after dark, make sure doors
safer.merton@merton.gov.uk are locked securely and leave a light on a timer so it looks like someone’s home.
For anyone concerned about crime, now could be a good time to join a
Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Schemes bring neighbours together to report
anti-social behaviour and help prevent burglary, while also looking out for
vulnerable people. If you’d like to find out more, email mertonnhw@met.police.uk
and we can tell you if there’s a scheme operating in your area or give you help
and support to set one up.You can also read
