West Barnes

Oenone has lived in Merton since 1993, and spent the last 14 years living right here in West Barnes. She loves West Barnes and all the local area has to offer, including excellent schools such as West Wimbledon Primary School which her children attended. Oenone is a strong believer in the importance of the performing arts and the power they have in giving people a sense of belonging and improving wellbeing. She puts that belief into practice by supporting the Lantern Arts Centre in Raynes Park, not only helping out with front of house duties but performing herself too! She also believes in being active in the community and you will often see her serving teas and coffees to local residents attending their community coffee hub. She is also an active member of the Morden Baptist Church, and has a leadership role focusing on music and supporting local young people. 

With her work in the charitable sector and with the UN, Oenone really values the fantastic transport links into central London we have here in West Barnes - but she knows that these links aren’t accessible for everyone. That’s why she was so pleased that Labour-run Merton Council helped to fund step free access being installed at Motspur Park Station, making it easier for those with buggies, wheelchair users, and those with mobility issues to travel. Oenone is fully behind the campaign from Merton Labour to secure step free access at Raynes Park station too and has welcomed the recent news that the Council has confirmed £500,000 of funding towards the scheme.

West Barnes

Since moving to West Barnes with her husband to raise their family, Rebecca has quickly got involved in the local community - helping to make a difference to the place she calls home. She is currently serving as Chair of Governors at a nearby Primary School, helping to make sure that Merton retains its achievement of every school in the borough being rated Good or Better by Ofsted. This excellence in education is one of the main reasons Rebecca wanted to move to West Barnes. As well as being a governor, Rebecca has become an active member of the Raynes Park and West Barnes Residents’ Association, and a Friend of West Barnes Library and Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields, her local park.

Rebecca loves living in West Barnes because she is surrounded by so many great parks and green spaces, and she wants to help protect them. That’s why she has taken a leading role in ensuring local residents’ voices are heard on the plans to build on the old Motspur Park Gas Holders site. Like many residents, she does not feel that the local Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament has done enough to stand up for local residents against Kingston Council’s planning department on this issue.

West Barnes

John is West Barnes through and through and has lived here for more than 20 years. He cares passionately about the local area and has taken on leading roles in the Raynes Park and West Barnes Residents’ Association alongside his wife Clare. Previously serving as Treasurer for 12 years, John is now the co-editor of the RPWBRA’s popular community booklet The Guide, which is delivered to more than 2,000 homes, businesses, and community venues in the local area with the help of a fantastic network of volunteers.

John worked as teacher, specialising in maths, for 25 years, then became a School Finance Officer after retiring from full-time teaching. He knows his stuff and is good with numbers. He has been impressed with the financial management of Labour-run Merton Council which has continued to protect frontline services for older and vulnerable residents, secure value for money, and deliver more of what people in West Barnes want. John has welcomed the decision of Merton Council to freeze the main element of Council Tax this year, which they’ve only been able to do by being strong on the finances, and keep it £400 cheaper than neighbouring Liberal Democrat-run Kingston Council. He knows this will go a long way to helping people with their family finances whilst the cost of living continues to rise.

Leader of Merton Council

Ross Garrod’s parents moved to Mitcham when he was six months old, and it has been his home ever since. Ross attended Bennedict Primary School, Priory Middle School, and Rutlish High School. After moving out of the family home, he now lives on Grove Road near to St Mark’s Academy.

Ross has represented Longthornton ward for four years and is now the Leader of Merton Council. As part of Siobhain’s Action Team, Ross has secured investment in shop fronts on the shopping parade on Northborough Road and upgraded the facilities in Oakleigh Way (refurbished tennis courts) and Rowan Road Rec (new splash pad, children’s playground, refurbished basketball court).

Ross worked with residents to open a new pocket park on Meopham Road, turning a fly tipping hotspot into an area the whole community can enjoy.

Ross is a season ticket holder for AFC Wimbledon although he admits that his main team is Aston Villa. He used to play football for a team at Three Kings Piece in Mitcham, but now most of his physical activity is in a gym – or out walking, speaking with residents.