A public right of way blocked by Transport for London for more than a year has finally been reopened.

The walkway over the tramline opposite Mitcham Junction was padlocked with steel barriers after work was carried out by Tfl in April last year.

When it wasn’t reopened after work was completed residents began lobbying to have it reopened and finally - one year later - the public right of way has been restored.

Tony Burton, from the Mitcham Cricket Green and Community Heritage, said: "They have a policy that wherever possible they try to minimize the number of crossings over the tram line from a safety perspective.

"Their argument is the fewer people crossing the line the fewer accidents there would be.

"In one way that’s understandable, but it has to be applied in terms of the particular situation.

"It is an important crossing and is a public right of way.

"You can’t just shut it - you have to find an alternative."

After a year of lobbying by residents, councillors and council officers at Merton Council, TfL finally acknowledged public support for the walkway and agreed to reopen it last week.

Melanie Nunzet, a Brownie helper, said: "The 11th Mitcham Brownies went on a Wandle walk yesterday evening and would like to thank the Mitcham Cricket Green and Community Heritage Group for campaigning to have the tram crossing reopened."