Merton Council has confirmed that work has commenced on Willow Lane from its junction with Carshalton Road to the end of the one- way system which includes the two bridges.
This initial phase includes cutting back the vegetation and tree clearance, new fencing, improved footpaths, resurfacing the road, signage, lining and street lighting. Providing there is no intervention of unforeseen circumstances, this work should be completed by the end of March.
Survey work was conducted to produce the basis for designing the remedial work of the bridge over the tramline. The proposed remedial work will require the agreement of Network Rail.
Once agreed the work then will be able to commence on the bridge that will have a three ton weight limit. When completed, it will remain a one-way access route into the estate and there will be a 7ft gate to limit the size of vehicles entering.
One of the core BID objectives sought by businesses was the reopening of this access route, which has been closed for six years. While this has not quite occurred yet, this is extremely encouraging news
and is indicative of the patience of businesses and the efforts of Merton Council and Willow BID who have maintained a constant lobby since the closure all those years ago.
We look forward to bringing you further good news in the next edition of our newsletter.