Merton's biggest business leaders, political representatives and councillors gathered to discuss at the inaugural Future Wimbledon conference to discuss the town future last week.

But there was a noted absence of members of the public who Conservative councillors say were "locked out" of the discussion by the £295 ticket price.

Councillor Oonagh Moulton, leader of Merton Conservatives, said: "Whilst I was fortunate to be invited to the Future Wimbledon conference as one of two Conservative council group representatives, it struck me that other residents weren’t able to have their say.

"A vision that is imposed on local people, rather than developed in conjunction with them, is not a vision at all.

"Instead it is an instruction."

Responding to criticism Councillor Stephen Alambritis, leader of Merton Council, said: "This was an industry event not a consultation, aimed at developers to get them interested in any development opportunities. 

"What saddens me about this reaction is that the leader of the Conservative group listened to her MP and the deputy Mayor of London Kit Malthouse and one of her own councillors David Dean who were there putting their views forward on behalf of residents."

He added: "No decision were made.

"Any ideas that come from the Future Wimbledon event will not materialise without the normal consultation process taking place."

The Future Wimbledon Conference was funded by the private sector to give interested stakeholders an opportunity to contribute to the development of the town.