rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/protect-morden-park-stop-the-permanent-premises-licence?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-protect-morden-park-stop-the-permanent-premises-licence' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Merton Friends of the Earth https://actionnetwork.org/groups/merton-friends-of-the-earth https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/petitions/photos/000/621/720/normal/Families_Protect_Morden_Park.jpg Help us defend local democracy and protect Morden Park from environmental harm. Merton Council has applied for a permanent premises licence for Morden Park, which would allow year-round commercial events with alcohol sales, live music, film screenings, and late-night activities—without consulting local residents on a case-by-case basis. Why is this a problem? 1. Loss of Public Consultation & Local Voice: • This licence would remove the requirement to consult residents about individual events. • The council would only inform us of events, rather than seeking our views or allowing objections. • This undermines local democracy and gives the council unchecked control over how our public green space is used. 2. Risk of Public Nuisance & Environmental Damage: • Morden Park is home to thousands of trees and diverse wildlife—frequent commercial events could cause noise pollution, littering, and habitat destruction. • Increased footfall, alcohol sales, and late-night activities could lead to anti-social behaviour and public safety concerns in surrounding residential areas. • The park is a vital community space for recreation, exercise, dog walking, and mental well-being—this licence risks turning it into an events venue rather than a public park. We call on Merton Council to reject the permanent premises licence and instead: Retain public consultation rights before approving major events. Limit the number and scale of commercial events in the park. Implement strict safeguards to protect residents and the environment. Sign this petition today to protect Morden Park for future generations! Merton Friends of the Earth will present this petition to Merton Council to demand they listen to local voices and preserve our community’s green space. References: 1. Read More About the Licence Application • The full details of the licence application are available in the Public Register (Pages 14-19): Read here. • Merton Council has also published additional information about the application: Read here. 2. Merton: The “Borough of Booze”? Merton’s increasing focus on alcohol licensing has already raised concerns. As reported by the Wimbledon Guardian, the borough is being labelled the “Borough of Booze” due to its approach to licensing policies: Read the Wimbledon Guardian article here. https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/protect-morden-park-stop-the-permanent-premises-licence