Wandle ward Liberal Democrats

Cllr Kirsten Galea

Kirsten Galea is a councillor for Wandle ward and has lived in Merton since 2016. Originally from Malta, she moved to London in 2007 and is a registered architect specialising in inclusive design, with a professional focus on creating accessible, sustainable and welcoming places for everyone.

Kirsten has been persistent in campaigning for step free access at Haydons Road Station and will continue to put pressure on the developer, Merton Council, Govia Thameslink and Network Rail to ensure the westbound platform is made accessible.

As a councillor, Kirsten uses her expertise in Transport Architecture and Inclusive Design to hold the council to account and to push for better outcomes across housing, planning, transport and local facilities. She is committed to listening to residents, standing up for fairness, and making sure decisions reflect the needs of Merton’s diverse community.

Kirsten cares deeply about parks and green spaces. She regularly joins local groups across the Wandle Ward, including river‑wading with the Colliers Wood Residents Association to remove invasive plants and clear rubbish from the Wandle river. She also takes part in monthly litter picks and planting days with the Friends of Haydons Road Recreation Ground, and is an active member of the Friends of Garfield Park and Wandle Meadow Nature Park. In recent years, Kirsten has organised several litter picks in Garfield Park, Wandle Meadow Nature Park, Waterside Way, and along the Wandle Trail.

Contact Kirsten: kirsten@mertonlibdems.org.uk

Phil Ling

Phil Ling has lived in the Haydons Road area since 2011 and works for an international law firm. He has been involved with the Liberal Democrats for a number of years and is passionate about making local services work better for residents.

Phil has been an active campaigner for step free access across the Wimbledon area, from Haydons Road through to Motspur Park station. Through speaking to local residents, he has seen first hand how Merton Council can do far better at communicating clearly, listening properly, and consulting residents before decisions are made.

Phil believes the pandemic showed the strength of local communities and mutual support, but also exposed how poor council communication can leave residents feeling ignored. He is committed to improving transparency, accountability and engagement so residents know what’s happening in their area and have a real say in decisions that affect them.

Phil is an active member of Friends of Haydons Road Recreation Ground and volunteers with the Friends of Garfield Park and Wandle Meadow Nature Park. He also enjoys cycling, cooking and watching sport. In the summer he can be found playing cricket at various Merton Council cricket grounds.

Contact Phil: phil@mertonlibdems.org.uk