We feel that the Plough Lane Greyhound Stadium is probably the best site for a multi-purpose stadium in the borough. However, we must make sure that the site is fully accessible via public transport to ensure that all Merton residents can get full use of any such stadium.

The new planning guidelines, the Local Development Framework, provide us with an opportunity to commit to a strategy to see the return of AFC Wimbledon to Merton. Unfortunately the Council's consultation on the guidelines was fairly restrictive, giving you only the opportunity to set one priority for new recreational facilities in the borough. Therefore, in our consultation response to the Framework, Merton Liberal Democrats sought a commitment to the building of new recreational facilities only where there is adequate public transport - arguing that this could encourage the creation of adequate public transport in areas where there currently isn't any, or it is deficient. Another of the 'options' was, of course, to commit to using the Greyhound Site to build a multi-purpose sports stadium; we felt that although that is important to bring AFC Wimbledon back to Merton, it is vitally important to ensure access to all new recreational facilities wherever they were built.

Merton Liberal Democrats would ensure that the Local Development Framework included a strategy for the return of AFC Wimbledon to the borough.

This seems like a very good idea; we think all parties should agree to the benefits of encouraging sport and recreational facilities in the borough, and groups such as AFC Wimbledon are integral to encouraging such.

We feel that organised recreational activities have a large and positive role to play in promoting community involvement - such activities build confidence, inspire and entertain - and there can also be positive health benefits. The existence and accessibility of sports and recreational facilities can help promote community relations, and reduce anti-social behaviour and the perception of it (for example, by reducing the number of 'youths' hanging around with nothing to do). The role of organisations such as AFC Wimbledon is to encourage involvement in sport, both directly and as a supporter, as well as through youth teams and training sessions. Merton Lib Dems recognise that organisations such as AFC Wimbledon have a role to play in acting as a 'voice for sport' at all levels, telling the Council its views on how best to improve the promotion of community involvement.

Nationally, Liberal Democrats would like to see better promotion of tax breaks under the Community Amateur Sports Club Scheme, to encourage amateur sporting organisations.

Merton Lib Dems feel that the Council lacks a vision for any area of Merton! The Council must develop a local plan that sets out a vision for Merton and its component areas. This should be developed as part of the new LDF and the Community Plan - however the current drafts of these documents look 'off-the-shelf', as if they are lifted straight from Government guidance; there are some good ideas, but no consistent guiding principles. Our representations to the LDF consultation have sought to protect and develop existing open spaces like Morden Park: we pushed for a restriction on any developments close to an open space that were likely to result in an adverse effect on its use, management or enjoyment. We also sought improvements to the quality of the existing open spaces. We would like to see the 50 acres of Morden Park, which were formerly let to London Playing Fields Society, used for community sport and leisure facilities and we are aware that AFC Wimbledon is one of the organisations that have expressed an interest in the site. As we mentioned above, we would like to see a proper strategy for the return of AFC Wimbledon to the borough included in the new planning guidelines.