Merton’s £32million bid to transform Wimbledon town centre into a ‘mini-Holland’ has been turned down the by Mayor of London.

Outer London councils had been given the opportunity to win a major share of the Mayor’s £100m ‘Mini-Holland’ fund to transform cycling in their areas. Whilst Merton’s full bid was turned down, a smaller amount of money will be provided to take forward aspects of the work.Dundonald Lib Dem Focus Team member, Giles Bailey said:

“It is disappointing that Merton has not been given the full opportunity to significantly improve the level of its cycling facilities.”

Bailey, a transport consultant and keen cyclist continued:

“As a borough with many cycling opportunities and significant traffic congestion, this bid would have given us the chance to resolve many of the problems of inconsistent cycle facility design and implementation, as well as poor cycle route connectivity.

“Despite the loss of the bid, the Council must still come forward with a long-term integrated cycle plan for Merton, as well as a funding package to deliver it.

“There’s a huge need to resolve the numerous ‘on street’ conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians and road users across the borough.”