One matter discussed at the CPAGA-Merton meeting on 31 January 2024 meeting was the repair and management of the brook ditch that runs along the western boundary of the Site. The water flowing along the ditch, when it is able to flow, eventually drains into Beverley Brook. Merton used to periodically clear the ditch of overgrown vegetation and dredge it, to keep it free flowing. This has not happened now for a number of years. In addition, the builders of a housing block on Coombe Lane have laid pipes along the ditch and pumped from their excavations beside the brook into the ditch, further adversely affecting its drainage. The Committee understands that damage to the ditch has increased the incidence of flooding of neighbouring plots.
During 2023, the Parks Team commissioned a report into the ditch as part of a wider investigation into the relationship between the Site and the neighbouring site.
The Committe understand that surveyors instructed by Merton were on the Site on 26 March 2024, looking at the ditch and its condition.
One matter discussed at the CPAGA-Merton meeting on 31 January 2024 was the management of Japanese Knotweed at the Site. Only a small number of plots are affected but, for the plot holders affected, the effects can be profound. It usually takes at least three to four seasons to eradicate Japanese Knotweed using weedkiller, although professional contractors have access to more powerful weedkillers that can reduce this period by half.
There is a long history (at least a couple of decades) of Japanese Knotweed at the Site and at sites neighbouring the Site on the far side of the brook ditch that runs along the western boundary of the Site. During 2023, the Parks Team commissioned a report into the management of Japanese Knotweed at the Site.
Affected plot holders understand that they will lose the use of parts of their plots neighbouring the book ditch while professional contractors seek to erradicate the weed. On 15 March 2024, two members of the Committee (also directly affected) wrote to Merton seeking clarity over what was planned and its timing. They understand that any works will not start until September or October 2024.
One matter discussed at the CPAGA-Merton meeting of 31 January 2024 was the management of mature trees at the Site. A Committee member had identified the following plots as having mature trees which might pose a problem for the plot holder or their neighbours: 4, 12A, 31A, 37A, 50A*, 65A, 67A, 88, 96A, 102, 111, 111A, 121A, and 141. (* The tree on plot 50A is on the far side of the brook but appears to be on the Site.)
A member of the Parks Team (the Parks Development and Investment Manager) and a tree expert visited the Site on 15 February 2024. As a first step, the Parks Team need assistence in identifying which trees need to be removed and which are to be kept.
Consequently, the Committee wish to get in touch with plot holders who (a) have a mature tree on their plot or on a neighbouring plot and (b) wish to have that tree managed or removed. The Committee will leave notices on the plots in question, but plot holders can also contact the Committee.
Trees to be managed or removed need to be precisely identified, so that there is no confusion about the relevant trees - for example, by the use of photographs. The Committee will then identify the trees by using a marker, such as bright paint or tying a bright object to the tree.
