Wimbledon Launch For Merton's Community Plan


Find out what's being done in your borough

Merton's new community plan was launched today in Wimbledon Bookfest's 'Big Tent' on the Common.

Packed with personal stories from Merton residents, businesses and community groups, Merton Partnership's latest edition of its Community Plan is a magazine-style publication (right) aimed at everyone living and working in Merton.

It showcases the work many people in the borough are doing to make a difference to Merton. From street pastors to head teachers, youth workers to carers, the stories collected in the new plan reflect the diverse contributions of residents and businesses across the borough.

The plan also looks at the work the council and its partners have been doing over the last three years to improve the borough and sets out how the partnership will address key issues in the future.

It includes dedicated pages on the transformation of Wimbledon town centre and the community activity taking place in the heart of Colliers Wood.

The Chair of Merton Partnership is Council Leader Stephen Alambritis, who said: "The new community plan is a fantastic read and I encourage everyone living in Merton to take a look at it and find out what their fellow residents are doing to benefit the borough. People can also find out what the partnership is doing to bridge the gap between the different sides of the borough."

Responsible for leading on the development of the new-look community plan, Reverend Andrew Wakefield said: "I am really proud of what the partnership and all the Merton residents and businesses, who contributed to the new community plan, have achieved.

"We wanted it to be engaging and do what it says on the cover – it's for the community and it's about the community, which is why it's wonderful that we've been able to include great stories from some of the many people in Merton who do invaluable work for the borough."

The plan is full of local studies of people working hard in their community. It includes Wimbledon-based Gina Conway, who runs her own salon and spa business and is on the Love Wimbledon board.

She told the launch event: "I feel like I have a big contribution to make as a resident and an owner. I work with young people in the community and I am passionate about having the opportunity to shape the area where I live."

Deborah Kormi, who is 16 and runs her own scheme - The One Way Project - to help local youngsters near her home in Mitcham, also features in the plan. She said: "I have a passion for young people and I want to help anyone in trouble. I believe it is never too late for a young person to change and get back on the right track."

She is pictured on the left of this photo, along with (l-r) her father Tony Kormi and plan contributors Andrew Wakefield, Councillor Krystal Miller, Council leader Stephen Alambritis, Jemima Erhabor and Sunny Lee.

Copies of the Community Plan are available from the civic centre in Morden and online at www.merton.gov.uk/community-living/communityplan.htm.

Join in the conversation on Twitter: #plan4merton to report anyone doing great things for Merton.

And why not tell us more on our forum?

October 11, 2013

Related links
Related Links

Mayor Krystal Miller and South Wimbledon-based Community Plan designer Chris Townsend