Plans are underway to build a large ice skating rink in Wimbledon Park as part of this year’s Winter Wonderland festivities.

For the first time, the ice rink will be built on the main field alongside a children’s funfair ride and refreshment units, taking up a hectare of space in total during December and January.

The ice rink and funfair will operate during the park’s opening times: 8am-9.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am-9.30pm on weekends.

Made of real ice, the proposed 70ft by 120ft rink can hold 75 people and will be powered using silent electric generators.

But residents consulted by Merton Council in Wimbledon Park and Southfields have expressed concern that the attraction will worsen traffic.

Cecile Reynes-Bridgens, who lives in Home Park Road, said: “It seems to me the proposed Winter Wonderland in Wimbledon Park is going to be a Winter nightmare for the local residents.

“It is much too long in numbers of days and number of hours per day, will make the park ugly and filthy and create a lot of disturbance in the neighbourhood.”

Tina Thompson, chairman of the Southfields Grid residents association, bemoaned an increasing number of events being held in Wimbledon Park.

She said: “Where will they park? The side streets are already crammed with cars and there are parking restrictions.

"During school holidays there is always increased activity in the park thus parking will be inadequate.”

Residents had been told the ice rink and funfair rides would be in Wimbledon Park from Saturday, December 3 until Sunday, January 15, but this start date has now been put on hold because the plans need to receive planning permission from councillors, who will decide on December 8.

Main event returns to Wimbledon town Centre

The annual Winter Wonderland festivities start next week and include a parade in Wimbledon town centre on Thursday, November 24, in which the mayor of Merton will oversee the switching on of the Christmas lights.

This year, the lights will be switched on by Sam Attwater and Anna Williamson - Dame Edna Everage's co-stars in the upcoming pantomime 'Dick Whittingon' at New Wimbledon Theatre.

This year’s main event, from 5-8pm, will also feature a fireworks display from the rooftop of Wimbledon's Centre Court Shopping Centre, street entertainment, live music and dance and a mini-market of local businesses. 

There will be children’s rides at the station forecourt where special guests Father Christmas and players from AFC Wimbledon.

Merton’s mayor, Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender, said: "I encourage everybody from the borough to take part in this splendid evening. It is going to be great fun with many activities for people of all ages"

What do you think about the plans for an ice rink? Contact Omar by calling 020 8722 6335; tweeting @OmarOakes or emailing: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.