Reporting Back - December 2022
Welcome to my December 2022 Community Email which contains updates on what I have been up to in Wimbledon and Westminster.
Remembrance Sunday
I was privileged to take part in Remembrance Sunday in Wimbledon Village. We will remember those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Constituency Boundaries
The Boundary Commission have published an updated set of proposals for the new constituencies which will cover the London Borough of Merton. These are Wimbledon and Coombe, which will be made up of the current Wimbledon constituency except Merton Park with the addition of Coombe Hill and Coombe Vale. Mitcham and Morden will be made up of the existing Mitcham and Morden constituency plus Merton Park.

I advocated for Merton Park ward to be split between the constituencies, with one polling district which contains Morden Town Centre moving into Mitcham and Morden, and the remainder of the ward staying in Wimbledon. The northern half of Merton Park is close to Wimbledon and has strong community links with the Town Centre. My proposal would have ensured the area remained in Wimbledon.

I would encourage constituents to make their views known and they can do so by writing to the Boundary Commission on their website www.bcereviews.org.uk. However, time is short as the consultation closes on Monday 5 December 2022.
AELTC
I am continuing to lead the campaign alongside residents’ associations against the AELTC’s planned development of Wimbledon Park. You can read my reasons for doing so here:

And you can watch my video to the Save Wimbledon Park Group’s meeting with the CRPE here: https://www.savewimbledonpark.org/post/video-stephen-hammond-2-nov-2022

Iain Simpson, Chair of the Wimbledon Park Residents’ Association said:

‘The Save Wimbledon Park group had a very productive zoom meet on Wednesday November 2 that was chaired by Alice Roberts of CPRE. Our thanks go to them and also to Stephen for the video message that was part of the presentation. We also had videos of supports from comedy writer Andy Hamilton and 97-year-old actress Thelma Ruby. Both are local residents bitterly opposed to AELTC’s plans. Our petition which can be accessed through the website (https://www.savewimbledonpark.org) has now gone over 6,000 signatures. As a group we are not anti-tennis. However we are opposed to the sheer scale of AELTC’s plans and, given the fact that the park is heavily protected, they must not ignore the covenants they undertook in 1993.’
Wimbledon Bridge
Along with Cllr Dan Holden I have been campaigning for the removal of anti-social delivery drivers from the ‘kiss and drop’ spots outside Wimbledon Station. I am pleased that Merton Council have listened to our campaign and as of Monday, 28 November delivery drivers are no longer allowed to use these bays.
Love Wimbledon
It was great to join Love Wimbledon, the Mayor of Merton and Councillor Dan Holden in the Town Centre on Sunday to see the wonderful local businesses as well as the fantastic Christmas tree and lights.
MP HERoes
It was great to join Jennie Allen of local business Bayley and Sage in Parliament two weeks ago to celebrate women in business. Congratulations to all the MP HERoes nominees and winners.
Raynes Park Station
I met with Workspace regarding the parking bays at Raynes Park Station. I know this has been a concern for local residents. I am continuing to lobby Merton Council and Workspace to find a solution which allows for the bays to be properly utilised by local businesses. I hope this can now be resolved.
Royal Mail Services
Constituents from across Wimbledon have been continuing to contact me about the poor service they are experiencing with their postal deliveries. One constituent contacted me on Tuesday to say they had not had post for over ten days. I have not received any post for some days.

I have written to the Chief Executive to request another meeting and I am visiting the delivery office on Cranbrook Road again in December with a member of their executive team to further escalate this matter. 
Rosewater Pavilion
I recently met with local residents and local Councillors regarding the Rosewater Pavilion on Somerset Road. This is a pavilion which is set up during the summer months and has expanded from a small temporary terrace to become a 30ft tall semi-permanent structure for several weeks of the summer.

I have contacted Ian Hewitt of the AELTC to request a meeting to discuss the future planning permission for this site.
Homes for Ukraine Hosts
The Homes for Ukraine scheme was set up earlier this year to provide refuge for victims of Putin’s aggressive invasion of their country. The scheme was initially for the period of six months, in the expectation that the situation would have been resolved.

Many people in Merton have been very generous and hosted families from Ukraine. However, for many the six months will soon be complete. Should any change in circumstances be necessary or likely then Merton Council have urged the host and the family to make contact with them as soon as possible.
A message regarding the Homes for Ukraine Scheme locally:

“We urgently need people to come forwards who would be interested in hosting specific Ukrainian refugees. Some refugees are already in the UK and need to move on from their current hosts for various reasons, and others are contacts of people already here, who are still in Ukraine. There is less admin needed to be done for those already here, and support is also available from other established hosts and local organisations. Please get in touch if you would like to know more, or would like to offer some accommodation - bienventuresart@gmail.com.”
The Squad Club – South Wimbledon Charity 
Are you looking to make a difference in our local community? The Squad Club is looking for new volunteers, and this might be the perfect opportunity for you. The Squad Club is a fantastic local charity in South Wimbledon supporting young people and adults for a Thursday night social club. They call themselves "the friendliest club in London", and you will be guaranteed a warm welcome, meet amazing people and make a huge difference. No previous experience needed and full support given. To find out more please see https://thesquad.org.uk/get-involved/current-positions/club-volunteer/ or email volunteer@thesquad.org.uk
ASDA in Parliament
I was pleased to meet with Asda in Parliament and hear about their commitment to invest more into our local communities and charity partners over the next five years. I am proud to support the work done by Community Champions and the Asda Foundation, which will provide an important lifeline for local groups and charities during these challenging times.
LTA in Parliament
I met the Lawn Tennis Association in Parliament to discuss investment in the community game across the country. I am pleased that they have identified a number of sites along with DCMS for potential investment in Wimbledon, including Cottenham Park, Holland Garden, Sir Joseph Hood Recreation Ground, Morden Park, Sir Joseph Hood Playing Fields, and Wimbledon Park.
Christmas in the Village - Sunday 4th December 2022, 10am - 5pm
Previous Reporting Backs
I have added my previous community emails to my website, these can be accessed here: https://www.stephenhammond.net/my-community-emails
Promoted by David Jones on behalf of Stephen Hammond MP, both of 3 Summerstown, London, SW17 0BQ