The old route into Willow Lane from Carshalton Road near Mitcham Junction station is being opened up to vehicles again after nine years.

The diggers arrived out of the blue and have been hard at work.

Merton Council has only recently consulted on the proposals, well after the works began, and a copy of our views is available here.

The Council’s plans are available here.

We are concerned by the impact on this semi-rural lane of the new kerbs, yellow lines and a remarkable 26 (yes – 26!) new road signs.

With the road restricted to vans it is unclear whether the economic benefit is worth the financial and environmental cost.

We are also asking for the work to improve the condition of the two Victorian railway bridges, noted by eminent local historian Eric Montague as being remarkably unaltered since the 19th century.

We’ve posted some photos of the works at our Flickr site. If you have any pictures you’d like us to add, please send them to info@mitchamcricketgreen.org.uk with a description.

Merton Council in the process of reopening Willow Lane to traffic and turning a quiet, pedestrian friendly country lane into a modern road. We understand consultation of local households was poor.