Although the decision to bring a music festival to Morden Park this summer has already been made, some still remain dubious of its potential benefits.

Merton Council approved plans earlier this month for Eastern Electrics to return to the park for a third year.

It followed a marathon licensing sub-committee meeting which lasted more than five hours and heard that last year’s event attracted 400 complaints on a dedicated helpline.

St Helier ward resident and Green Party London Assembly candidate for Merton and Wandsworth, Pippa Maslin, was one of those fighting tooth and nail against the festival returning and was disappointed with the decision.

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"I have read the licensing sub-committee's justification for granting a one-year licence for a two-day event and remain unconvinced that Morden Park is an appropriate venue for further Eastern Electrics festivals," she said.

"Out of 81 representations received to the application, 72 were objections, and yet the responsible authorities have seen fit to work with the applicant to agree circa 60 conditions and give the event the green light."

Concerns about anti-social behaviour was one of Ms Maslin's key concerns and think police resources could be better spent elsewhere.

"In particular, I was shocked to learn that the Metropolitan Police have estimated that last year's event cost them about £50,000 in police hours, with some officers being deployed from their normal duties elsewhere," she said.

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"Surely this undermines the argument that local residents are supposed to be terribly grateful that the event will bring the council about £100,000."

In 2017 the police recorded three thefts, one sexual assault, and five calls to police regarding anti social behaviour (ASB) but there were no arrests.

Last year there were nine calls to the police regarding ASB, eight thefts recorded, one assault and one drugs offence recorded.

There were also three arrests for possession of drugs with intent to supply and an arrest of a man wanted for burglary.

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The festival will take place over two days on the weekend of August 3 and tickets, costing £45 for the weekend, are already on sale.

A spokeswoman for Eastern Electrics said: “We appreciate the decision made by Merton’s licensing sub committee to grant a licence for Eastern Electrics.

"We will continue to work closely with the police, licensing and other responsible authorities as well as local stakeholders to develop our plans and are committed delivering a safe and successful event.”