The Merton community has vowed to keep fighting to save Ridgway Stables after it closed down yesterday, September 28.

After functioning as a riding school for almost a century - Julia Hardy had to leave her business after her landlord would not renew her lease.

Julia ran the riding school for 37 years with an ambition to make horse riding accessible for everyone.

A petition to save Ridgway Stables has been signed by over 8,200 people https://www.change.org/p/save-wimbledon-ridgway-riding-facility-accessible-riding-for-all.

Julia Hardy, Ridgway Stables Manager, said: "It would be wonderful if the stables could reopen in the future as a riding school, serving the community as it has done for more than 70 years.

"It is what all the campaigners have worked so hard for, and I hope Merton Council will support us in achieving this."

Hugo Forshaw, Merton Liberal Democrats spokesperson, added: "Ridgway Stables is a cherished part of the Wimbledon Village community, and its disappearance would represent a terrible and irreplaceable loss.

"Merton Council possesses numerous powers that they could use to preserve the stables, and prevent it being replaced with yet another anonymous commercial development.

"The Merton Lib Dems are clear - the fight to Save our Stables will go on, and we call on the Council to back the local community and protect this invaluable asset."