There was fighting talk last night as hundreds of people turned up to a protest meeting against Crossrail 2, and residents and councillors alike branded the proposals “unacceptable”.
Merton Council also released its official cross-party statement on the Crossrail 2 proposals, which it describes as leaving “Wimbledon town centre in a uniquely vulnerable position”.
The meeting gave local people a platform to voice their concerns, including what they said was a lack of information from Crossrail, a lack of communication from the council and a need for the public consultation to be extended.
The consultation on the plans is due to end at 5pm today, January 8.
Residents gave a show of hands when asked who thought the consultation deadline should be extended.
One of the organisers of the meeting, Yvette Ruggins, said: “We want better communication from Merton and we want better communication from Crossrail 2.
“We have to resolve to say no the current plan and fight for a better plan for Wimbledon town centre.”
Approximately 450 people turned up to the resident-organised meeting, despite the Holy Trinity Church in Wimbledon only being able to seat 100.
Inside the hall, people crowded around the walls or sat on the floor to find space, while hundreds remained outside the cold.
Hundreds braved the cold to make their voices heard
About 60 of those left outside moved to the Antoinette Hotel, opposite, where a second meeting was chaired by Councillors David Dean and Charlie Chirico.
The current Crossrail 2 proposals have earmarked seven sites in Wimbledon town centre for major redevelopment, including demolishing the landmark Wimbledon Bridge House and about 60 per cent of Centre Court Shopping Centre.
Also earmarked for demolition are the Everyday Church and Queens Court Care Home in Queens Road.
This is to make way for 30 Crossrail 2 trains per hour passing through Wimbledon station, and includes adding four extra platforms to cater for an expected 3,000 extra peak time commuters.
However, Merton Council has estimated the impact of the intense construction in Wimbledon, the Dundonald area and Weir Road could “lead to the loss or displacement of between 3,000 – 5,000 jobs”.
January 6: Crossrail 2 protest meeting called as public consultation on controversial plans draws to a close
In a cross party statement released yesterday, the council said: “The proposals as set out in the latest consultation represent an unacceptable level of upheaval and disruption to our business community and one where we cannot think of any current UK, European or global comparisons for where so much of a major town centre is lost to make way for new infrastructure.
“If the plans remain as they are, we would be forced to reconsider our support for the project.”
The statement is signed by leader of Merton Council Stephen Alambritis, cabinet member for regeneration and environmental sustainability Andrew Judge, leader of Merton Conservatives Ooangh Moulton, leader of Merton Park Indepedendent Residents Peter Southgate and West Barnes Ward Liberal Democrat Councillor Mary Jane Jeanes.
Coun Judge, also spoke the meeting, and insisted that all political parties were working together to challenge Crossrail.
Councillor Andrew Judge speaks to the hall
He said: “Although we support the concept of Crossrail overall across London, we are opposed to these proposals.
“The proposal that has been put forward simply looks after operational concerns: keeping trains running.
“We must protect businesses and we must protect the character of the town. We absolutely oppose this option.”
He added: “This process is going to last for a very long time and we need to speak with one voice to maintain the town centre and community we need, and not one that is damaging to us.”
To view the current proposals, click here.
To submit a response to Crossrail 2 before 5pm today, visit: www.crossrail2.co.uk
To view the council statement in full, click here.
What do you think of the proposals? Let us know by commenting below, visiting our Facebook page or via Twitter @WimbledonNews.
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