Merton Labour appoints new Cabinet Member to crack down on antisocial behaviour

The Leader of Merton Council has today announced his new Cabinet which will have a laser focus on tackling antisocial behaviour, as well prioritising work to tackle climate change, keep our streets clean, and help local people into well paid jobs. 

Councillor Edith Macauley MBE has been promoted to the role of Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety.

Cllr Macauley’s background of almost thirty years as a Magistrate and as Chair of the Joint Consultative Committee with Ethnic Minority Organisations means she is well prepared to lead on the Council’s efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour and fly tipping, and to manage our relationships with the Police and the community.  

Whilst our area remains one of the safest in London, we know that community safety remains a concern for many households. That’s why, just like the new Labour government in Westminster, we have made cracking down on antisocial behaviour a top priority here in Merton.  

As part of her new role, Cllr Macauley will lead on our new Safer Streets Patrol pilot which aims to tackle antisocial behaviour through out-of-hours joint Council and Police patrols. The patrol routes are mapped out based on reports from residents and known hotspots and have already led to action to address street drinkers, breaches of a community protection notice, and fly tipping. 

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Eleanor Stringer, will build on Merton’s record as one of the sector leading Councils taking action to address the climate crisis as the Cabinet Member for Civic Pride and Climate Change. Additionally, Cllr Stringer will take on responsibility for Merton’s much-loved parks and green spaces.  

As part of Labour’s commitment to improving the waste and street cleaning services Merton residents rely on, former Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis MBE, will become the Cabinet Member for Transport and Cleaner Streets.  

Finally, Councillor Sally Kenny will take on responsibility for the Councils work to help people into employment as the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Education. Crucial to this is the Leader’s new Employ Merton initiative which aims to links Merton businesses with potential local employees and get people into well paid, rewarding jobs.  

Announcing his new Cabinet appointments, Leader of the Council Ross Garrod said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Cllr Macauley to our Cabinet as part of our renewed focus on clamping down on antisocial behaviour, tackling the climate crisis, keeping our streets clean, and helping local people into good, well-paid jobs. These are all areas that people in Merton have told us they care about, and my administration is determined to make a difference on the issues that matter to residents.” 

These changes will come into effect from Wednesday 9 October 2024.