Merton Leader Holidays Close To Home
"Nearcation" for borough council leader
Merton council leader Stephen Alambritis has decided to forgo his passport for this year's holiday and is embarking on a "nearcation".
Councillor Alambritis has decided to take his holiday in Merton in order to keep trade local and boost tourism figures.
He has booked himself into two local family-owned hotels and is also committed to visiting as many places of interest in the borough as possible.
His week-long break from council duties begins on Monday (August 27) when he visits the Bank Holiday Fair in Morden Park.
Councillor Alambritis (left) said: "These are tough times for the local economy and I want to do all I can to support small businesses and tourist attractions in Merton.
"We have significant amounts of green space in Merton. Some 18% of the borough is open space, compared to a London average of 10%. In addition we have our own city farm and Merton is home to the oldest cricket ground still in use in Mitcham Cricket Green and of course also home to the oldest tennis tournament in the world, namely the Wimbledon Championships.
"Britain's greatest naval hero, Admiral Lord Nelson resided here and loved the peace and charm of the area he himself famously called 'dear dear Merton'. I therefore also intend to walk the NelsonTrail on my Merton nearcation".
He will start his break in the Casuarina Tree Hotel, Mitcham, before moving to the Wimbledon Hotel in Worple Road.
In addition to the Nelson Trail (which takes in St Mary's Church, Morden Lodge, Mitcham Cricket Ground, Eagle House, Wandle Park, Nelson Arms, Gatehouse, St John's Church and Nelson Gardens) he will be visiting the following attractions in Merton: Wimbledon Windmill and Museum; Deen City Farm; Wimbledon Village Stables; Ravensbury Park; Morden Hall Park; Wimbledon Park; the Buddhapadipa Temple; Wimbledon Theatre; Wandle Industrial Museum; Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and Merton Abbey Mills ; Merton Priory Chapter House; Merton's Green Flag Parks.
August 26, 2012