Chairman's Blog - March 2026
LOCAL ELECTIONS
Elections are being held on 7th May for Merton councillors.
Our Residents’ Association works closely with the elected councillors, and we would urge everyone to come out and vote. However, the Association is non-party, and does not support any particular party. We always work with whoever is elected.
Before the London Borough of Merton was formed, the Association was based in Merton and Morden Urban District Council, and the Association then put forward its own representatives to sit on that Council. Those days are long gone!
Our membership includes the wards of West Barnes, Raynes Park, Cannon Hill, and Lower Morden. We regularly print the names and e mail addresses of the elected councillors in The Guide so that residents know how to contact themfor any issue that they are concerned about.4
MIND THE GAP!
We reported in the February Guide that there are proposals to redesign the access to Raynes Park station, but that there are no proposals to remedy the gaps between the platforms and the trains at certain points. These gaps are very pronounced when the track curves.
This ought to be at the forefront of any proposals. The gaps are such that it can be positively dangerous to get on or alight from a train. The difficulty is not only the extent of the gap but that the train is much higher than the platform.
It is extremely difficult for anyone with any disability, or for those with buggies or prams or suitcases to enter or exit safely.
It is not only Raynes Park which has this problem. The same is true of certain points at Clapham Junction and doubtless elsewhere.
EARLY NOTICE: AGM
We hope you will join us at our AGM which will be held on Tuesday 21st April this year, at Raynes Park Library, Aston Road Entrance, SW20 8BE.
It is always a friendly, welcoming event with refreshments – so do put the date in your diary!
John Elvidge, Chair RPWBRA
