A new Pocket Park in Tooting will begin construction in late February after a majority called positively in a public consultation, but residents remain divided over its need.

The new park on Mellison Road will feature a climbing frame, play bridge, stepping logs, and a rain garden.

The park is due to cover an area of up to 240 square metres and includes land currently used as parking spaces.

The small stretch of Mellison Road is also to be made one way only to traffic with a cycle contraflow system to encourage cycling.

A spokesperson for the council said this will "ensure it offers visitors greater peace and tranquillity and is safer for pedestrians and cyclists."

Local community group Tooting Healthy Streets who backed the construction previously said: "We're delighted to see that the pocket park is going ahead. It supports our vision for active, safe, green and social streets in Tooting.

"This part of Graveney has for a long time needed public spaces and places for children to play.

"Mellison Road also carries too much traffic and the one-way section will start to change that. We hope this will be the first building block for a low traffic neighbourhood and we can't wait to see it built."

Some members of the local community group One Wandsworth have been speaking out about the decision.

One resident said: "Would you really want to sit in a park bench on Tooting high street with all the slow-moving traffic, related pollution, and constant siren noise? No thank you."

Multiple residents have stated they believe the park will bring loiterers and late-night drinkers.

A resident said: "There used to be a park opposite where this is to be situated.

"The big kids broke all the swings etc, chased all the little ones away then in the evening/night times the dealers, drunks, and undesirables took over."

Other residents in the group disagreed with this sentiment, with one stating that it "looked like a nice place for kids" and just needs to be "managed properly."

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