October

 

Councillors refused their own plans for a car park on listed park land off Revelstoke Road near Wimbledon Park
The long running issue over a temporary car park created by rail workers two years ago but never removed looked to have been resolved after plans to make the car park permanent were turned down. The council has stated it will look to remove the gravel in the new year.

 

Wimbledon Times:

Work began on building a multi-million pound regeneration of the All England Tennis Club.

The biggest part of the plans will see a retractable roof built over Court One, while other plans include developing practice courts, the media area, and building a tunnel from the main area to training courts.

 

The storm on St Jude’s day tore through Merton felling close to 100 trees, causing damage to cars, homes and businesses and creating transport chaos.

An elderly man was struck by a falling branch and taken to hospital with minor injuries while home owners were trapped in their houses by falling debris.

One family narrowly escaped tragedy when a tree smashed into the children’s bedroom. Fortunately the kids were staying at their grandparents at the time.

 

November

 

Wimbledon Times:

There was shock as one of the founders of the Merton Voluntary Service Council and a worker in the voluntary sector for close to 30 years Chris Frost died suddenly in her sleep aged 67.

Ms Frost had been at an awards ceremony the previous night where her tireless work across the borough had been honoured.

Hundreds turned out to her funeral where it was revealed she was due to receive an MBE in the new year.

 


An explosive document alleging corruption and the misspending of more than £1m of public money on consultants within the council is posted to all elected members.

The 10-page dossier, purportedly prepared by six disillusioned council staff, named senior staff members and forced the council to launch an external audit into the claims.

 

Wimbledon Times:

The Wimbledon Guardian launched a campaign calling for book-makers to be manned by at least two members of staff at all times.

The call came after details came out in the Andrew Iacovou Ladbrokes murder trial that his killer Shafique Aariq tricked him into leaving the safety of his counter before attacking him.

Mr Iacovou pressed a panic alarm inside the Morden shop but despite this no help came and he was discovered more than an hour later by punters keen to place a bet.

 

 

December

 

A multi-million pound plan to transform the centre of Wimbledon and create cycle lanes across Merton was unveiled.

The proposal would see The Broadway in Wimbledon pedestrianised with traffic diverted onto Hartfield Road.

Residents had a sneak preview of what this might be like with the Winter Wonderland celebrations at the start of the month.

 

A devout Christian who claimed she was wrongfully dismissed and discriminated against by Merton Council by being made to work on a Sunday lost her appeal.

Celestina Mba, from Mitcham, had fought the case through an employment tribunal and the high court before the court of appeal also ruled against her.

 

Wimbledon Times:

Volunteers from across the borough showed true Christmas spirit coming together to deliver hundreds of hampers to needy families.

Run by the Doxa Dea church and supported by Merton Council and the borough police 530 hampers filled with a frozen turkey, veg, non-alcoholic bubbly and treats were handed out on Saturday December 21.