Plans to give residents the power to run a park could be approved tonight.

A community trust has assembled a team to manage the new Morley Park, on the old Atkinson Morley’s Hospital site in west Wimbledon, subject to approval from Merton Council whose cabinet will meet this evening.

Morley Park Trust would replace Merton Council in managing the park, which is being transferred to the community by a developer building flats on the site.

Pat Keith, chairman of the Residents’ Association of West Wimbledon, said: “We have had hundreds of letters sent from residents to the council in support the idea of a community trust.

“This park is very different because it has wildlife in areas other parks do not.”

The redevelopment is being funded Berkeley Homes, which is building 79 new homes, three football pitches, an eco-meadow, walking trail, cottage and sports pavilion, due for completion in 2013.

Lung, an umbrella group of residents’ associations, has campaigned to preserve the park for 30 years and raised funds for the Morley Park Trust.

Its chairman, Nick Smith, said: “The park was originally a gift for patients at the hospital to recuperate in, in perpetuity, it is going to be part of that ongoing spirit but for all residents.”

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