Merton Liberal Democrats

24/05/2026

Open our paddling pools and splash pads earlier - sign the petition https://www.mertonlibdems.org.uk/our-campaigns/open-mertons-splash-pads-and-paddling-pools-earlier

As temperatures in London rise earlier each year, families across Merton are increasingly finding our splash pads and paddling pools closed during the hottest weeks of late spring and early summer.

That’s why Merton Liberal Democrats are calling on the Council to open these facilities earlier in the year - and we’ve launched a petition to show the strength of public feeling.

In 2024 Liberal Democrat councillors set out a costed proposal to extend the opening season for paddling pools and splash pads, but the Council’s Labour administration blocked this. Last year, Wimbledon’s Liberal Democrat MP sought to engage with the Council to understand the problems they had, and to encourage them to think about it differently.

This year we have been working to see if we can find sponsors to offer the funding to enable earlier opening.

Meanwhile, the Council’s current timetable means splash pads do not open until mid-June, and paddling pools not until mid-July, despite recent years seeing record June – and sometimes late May – temperatures.

23/05/2026

Why aren't public litter bins emptied more often on a Bank Holiday Weekend?

The litter bins on our streets and in our parks regularly seem to overflow over Bank Holiday weekends - presumably because more people are using them.

Please try to take litter home with you if you can, and please don't leave it next to a full bin.

We are told that the Council's systems respond to reports from residents, things should improve over time. But if nothing else, reporting an overflowing bin also gets it emptied.

You can report an overflowing bin here:

Litter bins and street recycling bins There are litter and recycling bins in Mitcham, Wimbledon, ​Colliers Wood and Morden town centres, and in our parks. Report a problem Where is the bin? In a park Somewhere else What happens next We aim to empty all reported overflowing litter bins within 24 ho...

08/05/2026

Following the local elections in Merton, Labour has narrowly held control of the Council.

Labour received 31% of the vote (down 11% from 2022) - and elected 32 councillors.

The Liberal Democrats received 28% of the vote (up 4% from 2022) and 19 councillors – the largest group of Lib Dem councillors ever elected to Merton.

The Conservatives received 15% of the vote (also down 11% from 2022) and elected 4 councillors, their worst ever result locally.

No Green Party or Reform councillors were elected.

We’re proud that more residents than ever have supported the Liberal Democrats and our vision for a more competent, transparent, and resident-focused council.

Our campaign, based on our manifesto Building the Merton we’re proud to call home, spoke to real concerns about rising costs and pressure on local services, and these results show growing support for doing things better.

These results show that more and more residents are putting their trust in the Liberal Democrats to stand up for them and focus on the issues that matter most locally.

While Labour remains in control, it’s clear there are serious concerns about how the Council is being run. We will continue to challenge where things aren’t good enough and push for better services and better value for money.

You can view the full results here: https://lbmerton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/7fb34c14e6e54b30b826420c206ad6d1

Thank you to everyone who voted for us, supported our campaign, or spoke with us over recent weeks. We are proud to represent communities across Merton and will keep working hard to ensure residents’ voices are heard.

We’ll continue working hard for residents across Merton and holding Labour Council bosses to account.

07/05/2026

It's election day!

Today is your chance to vote for a fresh start for Merton and a Council that puts residents first, by backing your local Liberal Democrat team.

06/05/2026

Your Wimbledon Town & Dundonald team are ready to deliver for you!

Use your 3 votes tomorrow to back Anthony, Samantha and Simon.

Find out more about the team at: https://www.mertonlibdems.org.uk/wimbledon-town-and-dundonald

06/05/2026

Your Wimbledon Park Liberal Democrat team are ready to deliver for you!

Use your 3 votes tomorrow to back Jil, Tony and Nick.

Find out more about the team at: https://www.mertonlibdems.org.uk/wimbledon-park

06/05/2026

Your West Barnes Liberal Democrat team are ready to deliver for you!

Use your 3 votes tomorrow to back Hina, Mariam and Robert.

Find out more about the team at: https://www.mertonlibdems.org.uk/west-barnes

06/05/2026

Your Wandle Liberal Democrat team are ready to deliver for you!

Use both of your votes tomorrow to back Kirsten and Phil.

Find out more about the team at: https://www.mertonlibdems.org.uk/wandle

06/05/2026

Your Village Liberal Democrat team are ready to deliver for you!

Use your 3 votes tomorrow to back Ursula, Leo and Iain.

Find out more about the team at: https://www.mertonlibdems.org.uk/village