Public consultation to help decide name of new train station in Eastfields

· by · in Transport. ·

Merton Council and Network Rail have agreed that the name for the proposed new mainline station at Eastfields will be determined through a public consultation.

The prospect of a station in Eastfields could become a reality by December 2007.

Progression of the station is dependent on planning permission, an application for which is expected from Network Rail during April 2007. A recent public meeting indicated strong support for the station, though a number of questions were raised in relation to the pedestrian footbridge and parking issues. Merton Council is in the early stages of assessing the potential impact of a station on parking in the surrounding area, and will be considering a number of options to ensure that adequate parking for local residents is retained.

Councillor Diane Neil Mills, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said:

“We are delighted with the enthusiasm shown by residents for the proposed station and look forward to agreeing a name. A mainline station would bring substantial benefits to Mitcham, and we are pleased with the progress that Network Rail has been able to make in a very short timescale.”

Residents are invited to submit possible names for the station by 30 April 2007. They should write to Scott Beech, Mitcham Transport Improvements Project Manager, Merton Council, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, SM4 5DX.

A panel will consider the names put forward and a recommendation will then be made to Network Rail. St Mark’s Church of England Academy will also be invited to assist Merton Council and Network Rail with the naming process.

The potential station has always been referred to as Eastfields, but there is need to ensure that the station is given a more distinctive name to avoid possible confusion with Earlsfield station, which is only three miles away.

A public meeting to discuss the development of the station will be held once Network Rail has a fully developed proposal. Details of the meeting will be widely circulated locally and in the local press, but if you wish to ensure you are notified, please contact Jonathan Lewis at Merton Council on 020 8545 3238. Once a planning application is submitted, it will be subject to a statutory 21-day consultation period, during which time residents will have the opportunity to make representations to Merton Council.