Fix ‘The Missing Link’ in The Wandle Trail

The Wandle Valley Forum started this petition late last month. They campaign on local issues, providing a support for 150 community groups and voluntary organisations and run the Wandle Fortnight of which the River Festival will be part of. The Wandle Trail is blocked by the major railway bridge near Earlsfield. Walkers and cyclists are forced to leave the river and divert via busy roads. Home of the UK River Summit we have been discovering the wonderful community around this urban chalkstream and what a valuable resource The Wandle Trail is to the local residents.

Fixing this "Missing Link" in the Wandle Trail has been a priority for local communities and all who care for the Wandle for many years. Providing a route through the bridge will be transformational. It will create a major new active travel route for walkers, families with children, cyclists and wheelers. This will address demands arising from significant new development in the area and help meet the wider needs of the Wandle Valley.

The railway bridge lies on the border of Merton and Wandsworth. Both local authorities have identified it as a "priority project" in their Local Plans and Infrastructure Delivery Plans. It is eligible for funding from the community infrastructure levy on new development among other sources.

A feasibility study has now been completed by Merton Council. For years, local communities and environmental groups have pushed for a solution. Now, we finally have one. A workable plan, supported by Network Rail and the Environment Agency, is ready to go. The project will cost around £1.1 million, and funding is available.

Merton and Wandsworth Councils have recognised this as a priority project. Now, we need to ensure they take action.

The feasibility study shows that there is a solution to the "Missing Link" which is deliverable and affordable. We are asking the leaders of Merton and Wandsworth Councils to deliver this preferred option and realise the benefits it will provide.

Take the next step and sign the petition!

Share this petition in person or use the QR code for your own material.

‘Your support will help create a safer, greener, and more accessible route for everyone.’