Update - 20 February 2014
Following the consultation undertaken in November 2013, we have received concerns, which are supported by local ward Councillors, regarding the loss of parking in the cul-de-sac of Sheridan Road as a result of the proposals.
It is felt that although many of the parking bays in the section of the road are not fully occupied, demand for parking will increase on completion of the redevelopment of the Nelson Hospital site.
Officers have met local councillors and agreed to amend the proposals to permanently close the north footway to pedestrians at the cul-de-sac end of Sheridan Road. The large trees present in this footway are severely restricting its use particularly for wheel chair users, the elderly and parents with buggies.
Statutory Consultation - 7 November 2013
We have been successful in its bid to Transport for London (TfL) to fund accessibility improvements across the Borough. Local councillors and some residents have raised concerns about the obstructed footways caused by overgrown holly hedge rows in Sheridan Road between the cul-de-sac end and property number 11, which is affecting access for pedestrians especially those with impaired mobility or in wheel chairs.
It is therefore proposed as shown on the linked newsletter below to build the footway around the trees in the most affected areas to maintain sufficient widths for general pedestrian use. Unfortunately at these points some parking bays will need to be removed to accommodate the widening, although this should not have a negative impact on available parking spaces due to under utilised spaces in the road.
These proposed measures should create better use and a safer accessible route for pedestrians.
What happens next
A statutory consultation is required to alter the parking places and yellow line restrictions. A Notice of the Council's intentions to introduce these alterations will be published in the local newspaper and posted on lamp columns in the vicinity. Any comments must be put in writing to the Head of Street Scene and Waste, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX by no later than 29 November 2013, quoting reference ES/SGE/Sheridan_footway. A copy of the Notices and plan identifying the area affected by the proposal can be inspected at Merton Link, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey during the Council's working hours, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.
Should we receive support for the measures and Cabinet Member approval, construction could be carried out construction during the February 2014 half term holidays.