A total of 420 trees will finally be moved from a resident’s garden as plans were given the go-ahead for a remembrance woodland.

Wandle Park in Colliers Wood will soon be home to the saplings to commemorate Colliers Wood residents who lost their lives in the First World War.

Wimbledon Times:

A petition organised by Keith Spears, the founder of Making Colliers Wood Happy, attracted 100 signatures in support of the woodland after delays with other organisations in agreeing where the planting would take place.

Mr Spears has been storing the saplings at his Cavendish Road home for several months.

He said: "I’m delighted.

"I have been exhausted by the whole process.

"I don’t know how many emails and how many hours I’ve spent chasing people and getting support."

He said the petition had had a very positive response.

Kevin Godding, chairman of the Colliers Wood Residents' Association, said it was happy the trees were being planted.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge said: "A quiet location beside the river in Wandle Park has been chosen by residents as the best place to plant the trees.

"This is a great site and thanks to everyone who gave their feedback.

"We will be speaking to community groups and residents who are involved about the best time for the trees to be planted."

The council consultation had 34 respondents and asked people to text a number to vote for their preferred location out of three in Wandle Park and a fourth not in the park although where exactly was not specified.

The ‘winning’ site is part of the park behind the Istanbul Meze Mangal restaurant in the High Street.