Merton Council is calling on residents to come forward with ideas for local heritage projects in the Cricket Green and the Canons area of the borough. The deadline for views from residents is 21 June.
Residents who would like to contribute their ideas about how to make the most of potential Heritage Lottery Fund money, can complete the online form at www.canonspartnership.org.uk or fill out the online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/T369ZX7. They can also visit the council’s stall at the Mitcham Carnival on 14 June.
The council is preparing to make two bids to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). One bid will be for funding to invest in the area around the 17th century Canons house and grounds off Madeira Road. The council is also seeking funding through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Townscape Heritage Programme to be invested in making improvements to Vestry Hall and the Burn Bullock area of Cricket Green. Each bid will include a variety of elements focussed on the different ways people use and enjoy the area and will focus on initiatives which will strengthen the role of the local community. These could include informal and formal uses, conservation, heritage, play, sports, culture, leisure, education and learning.
The council wants to hear from residents about what their vision is and how potential funding could be spent to enhance the area. It has already gathered ideas from residents at a community picnic last weekend and will consider these, along with any others received, in the final bid.
Merton Council’s cabinet member for community and culture Councillor Nick Draper said: “If you have a good idea about how what we can do to celebrate and showcase Mitcham and its heritage, don’t hold back – get in touch with us. I’m particularly keen that residents who don’t normally give their opinions to surveys, young and old alike, make their voices heard. Mitcham belongs to all of us, and I want everyone who lives here to play their part in celebrating our heritage and making it relevant and sustainable in the modern world.”
On behalf of local groups involved in the project, John Davis said: “We are pleased to be working closely with Merton Council in developing these proposals. They provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the heritage investment we need in this very special part of Merton.”
To find out more, visit www.canonspartnership.org.uk.
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