Liberal Democrat candidate for the Mayor of London, Caroline Pidgeon, has called for a review into the impact of Crossrail 2 on Wimbledon and Raynes Park.

Ms Pidgeon visited Wimbledon and Raynes Park train stations on Friday, February 19, and met with local campaigners who are fighting against the Crossrail 2 proposals. 

More 4,500 people have signed the Wimbledon Guardian’s petition to ‘Save our town centre’ from Crossrail 2.

January 11: Save our town centre: Wimbledon Guardian Crossrail 2 petition surpasses 1,000 signatures in 48 hours

January 8: Crossrail 2 consultation has ended: here is what has been said so far

The current plans have earmarked seven sites in Wimbledon town centre for major redevelopment, including demolishing Wimbledon Bridge House, 60 per cent of Centre Court Shopping Centre, the Queens Court Care Home and the Everyday Church.

The work will make way for 30 Crossrail 2 trains per hour passing through Wimbledon station, with an extra 3,000 peak time commuters expected.

November 23: Crossrail 2 update: Centre Court Shopping Centre, homes and Wimbledon Bridge House offices may be demolished over 11 years

However, Merton Council has estimated the impact and the time length of the intense construction in the town centre, the Dundonald area and Weir Road could lead to the loss or displacement of between 3,000 and 5,000 jobs.

Ms Pidgeon said: “Crossrail 2 is a major scheme, vital for the future of London’s transport network.

“However, it must be delivered in a way that responds to the needs and concerns of communities – the focus shouldn’t just be minimising costs.

“That’s why I’m calling for an independent review of its impact on Merton. As well as looking at Wimbledon town centre, this should also look at Motspur Park and Raynes Park.”

Ms Pidgeon is arguing for a review made up of a panel of representatives from local residents’ groups, businesses and Merton Council, which will be advised by international transport consultants.

She added: “Residents have been presented with only one option for Wimbledon town centre, and no effort has been made to show if or why alternatives wouldn’t work.

January 8: Crossrail 2: 400 residents stuck outside as protest meeting against "unacceptable" Crossrail 2 has huge unexpected turn-out

“There has been no real engagement and many residents feel ignored.

“Local people deserve better.”

In a statement, Transport for London’s managing director for Crossrail 2 Michèle Dix said: “A major new Crossrail 2 station at Wimbledon would form a key part of the route, delivering significant benefits for the town centre, offering passengers faster, less crowded and more reliable journeys into central London and beyond.

“We are currently analysing the thousands of comments and ideas we received in response to our proposals during our consultation and are committed to sharing updated proposals with the local community when this work is complete.

“We will continue to work closely with London Borough of Merton and local stakeholders to further assess proposals and explore opportunities to minimise disruption to the town centre as we develop our plans.

“It is still early days and no final decisions have been taken.”

More 4,500 people have signed the Wimbledon Guardian’s petition to ‘Save our town centre’ from Crossrail 2. Click here to add your name.