A group of residents have formed the group ‘Friends of Wimbledon Town Centre’ to fight against the Crossrail 2 proposals after 450 people turned up to a public meeting to oppose the plans.

The group, who organised the heavily oversubscribed residents' meeting on January 7 at the Holy Trinity Church Hall, Wimbledon, are now urging people across the borough to join together to form a cohesive movement against the controversial proposals for the town centre.

January 8: Crossrail 2: 400 residents stuck outside as protest meeting against "unacceptable" Crossrail 2 has huge unexpected turn-out

Wimbledon Times:

Hundreds were left outside after the protest meeting proved unexpectedly popular

In an email sent out to all members of the group, the Friends said: "We cherish the mix of homes, parks, shops, restaurants and offices; the lovely grade 2 listed architecture and, crucially, the town centre’s community spirit.

"We owe it to ourselves to make sure it remains a fantastic place to visit and in which to live and work.

January 8: Crossrail 2 consultation has ended: here is what has been said so far

November 23: Crossrail 2 update: Centre Court Shopping Centre, homes and Wimbledon Bridge House offices may be demolished over 11 years

"We are a small group of local residents, gravely concerned about the threat of Crossrail 2 to the character of Wimbledon, and did not expect word of our activity to spread so widely or so fast."

The group are now urging anyone who shares their concerns to write to local councillors and Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond, to get involved by delivering leaflets, helping to organise meetings or providing advice, and to sign the Wimbledon Guardian’s petition against the Crossrail 2 proposals. 

More than 2,000 people from all over the world have already signed the petition. Visit https://www.change.org/p/transport-for-london-save-our-town-centre-from-crossrail-2

To get involved with the Friends of Wimbledon Town Centre, find them on Facebook and Twitter or visit www.wimbledontowncentre.com, or email them on friends@wimbledontowncentre.com.