I am pleased that Merton Council have finally taken the decision to end their contract with Veolia. Merton has for too long been blighted by rubbish on our streets and, following diligent campaigns by local residents, I hope that the end of this contract represents a real break with the Council’s record of failure.

I am continuing to campaign for step-free access at Raynes Park Station. Following our recent success with Motspur Park, I am hopeful that the representations I have made to Government and Network Rail will be heard, and Raynes Park will soon have the full step-free access it needs.

The All-England Lawn Tennis Club’s application to build on Wimbledon Park is now likely to be heard by both Merton and Wandsworth Planning Committees in May.

I hope that the Committees reject this application, and we can find a solution which works for both local residents and the AELTC. I know that we all want The Championships to succeed so we must find a course of action which benefits us all. I have written more extensively on this matter here: https://www.stephenhammond.net/news/wimbledon-park-residents-association-march-2023

I know that Wimbledon has seen an increase in car crime, theft from vehicles, and catalytic converter theft in the last few months. I have spoken to the local police on several occasions, and I am pleased that the situation has improved but the thefts have not ceased.

The Police have recently made arrests which I hope will see theft decrease further. However, if you are unfortunate enough to experience a crime it is important to report it here: https://www.met.police.uk/area/your-area/met/merton/wimbledon-park/contact-us/top-reported-crimes-in-this-area

I will be holding a Crime Summit soon, please register to receive details of date, time, and location.

Local Mail Services reached a nadir over the Christmas period. I have had less correspondence about Royal Mail recently and hope that this means local residents have experienced the same improvement in service that I have. Should this not be the case please do not hesitate to get in touch and my team and I will raise this with Royal Mail.

The Wandle Industrial Museum is hosting its first heritage walk of the year on Saturday 15th April starting at 2pm. The walk will go from Mitcham Tram Stop to Morden Hall Snuff Mills. You will learn about the history of the various mills on the route at Mitcham Bridge and through Ravesnbury Park and the many hidden gems of the area. The walk is free of charge - donations welcomed - and will be led by their volunteer John Sheridan.

To book your place please email john.sheridan08@gmail.com

I was pleased to host Merton Friends of the Earth in Parliament and view the exhibition on climate change, recycling, and renewable energy.

I was pleased to sponsor the British Heart Foundation's CPR training event for MPs in Parliament.

CPR can save lives, and it was great to see this essential skill being taught in a new and innovative way through RevivR. With over 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year in the UK and a survival rate of less than one in 10, it’s important that everyone learns lifesaving CPR.

I would urge all my constituents to learn through the BHF’s easy and free tool linked here – you could save a life.

If you are planning a street party for King Charles’ Coronation on Saturday 6th May 2023, please find information from Merton Council below on what support is available.

The deadline is today: https://www.merton.gov.uk/streets-parking-transport/streets-and-pavements/events/kings-coronation-street-parties?fbclid=IwAR0LDdtqAKMB0_kIJiXxPWgy2MRIEj-D8S0Lc6hV9fBCbldQX2jYjsuKlzc

I have added my previous community emails to my website, these can be accessed here: https://www.stephenhammond.net/my-community-emails