By Councillor Peter Walker

Two-and-a-half years ago, as the then cabinet member for education, I suggested to council officers that Dundonald School should be expanded due to the 39 per cent increase in five-year-olds entering our schools.

I am therefore delighted by the cross-party decision at Merton’s planning committee to approve the plan to expand Dundonald School.

I said at the meeting that, last September, six local children from the Dundonald area could only be offered places at Liberty School in Mitcham which is three-and-a-half miles away.

This expansion, when it proceeds, will mean more children will be able to walk to their local school in this part of Wimbledon.

This decision in particular is a victory for the 200 local children and their parents in Wimbledon who will gladly take the extra places the expansion will create.

It is also a victory for local residents, like myself, who will benefit from a £6m investment in the park.

It means new facilities for local people, and contrary to what has been said locally, will see an actual increase in publically available open space for park users.

Coun Peter Walker was Merton Council's cabinet member for education (2010-2012) and represents Figge's Marsh ward in Mitcham.


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