Leader of Merton council denies money spent to move his parking space closer to office entrance
By Tara O’Connor, Local democracy Reporter
The leader of Merton council has hit back at claims more than ÂŁ100 was spent to move his parking space closer to the door of the Civic Centre in Morden.
Opposition councillors accused Councillor Ross Garrod of wasting public money by moving his space “right next to the entrance”.
However, Cllr Garrod said his space was moved due to “safety concerns”. Previously the leader had to reverse towards an opening which acts as a walkway used by staff – he said this was a problem when he moved his car a few times a day.
An email from Merton council said the cost of repainting the lines was ÂŁ182 but cllr Garrod claims it actually cost less than ÂŁ150.
Liberal Democrat opposition councillors asked why the leader’s space had been moved at a council meeting on Wednesday.
An email chain shows a member of Cllr Garrod’s team asking about an “issue the leader has raised about car parking.”
The email, dated August 24, asked: “How quickly we can re-mark the car park to relocate the leader’s space?”
This was followed up with another email 10 days later asking for an update on when the work would be scheduled.
At the meeting, Cllr Simon McGarth said: “What I was hoping to hear about was the decision at the cost of £182.78 to move the leader of the council’s parking space right next to the entrance of the council which doesn’t strike me as necessary and a good use of public money.”
In answer, cabinet member for finance, Cllr Billy Christie said: “Following concerns that were raised lines have been repainted.”
Following the meeting, the leader’s office was asked why the parking space was moved.
The statement issued said: “The parking space was positioned across an opening in the perimeter wall which is often used as a staff entrance to the car park.
“As the council leader comes and goes several times a day to meetings, there were some safety concerns and the space was moved, at a cost of less than £150.”
Pictured top: The car park at Merton Civic Centre in Morden (Picture: Google Street View)
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
