Latest news with #Southfields
The Independent
a day ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Wimbledon deny tennis fans are going to the toilet in the woods outside park
Wimbledon fans queuing overnight for tickets to the prestigious tennis tournament are allegedly defecating and urinating in nearby woodland, a local campaigner has claimed. Simon Wright, 68, a member of the Save Wimbledon Park residents' group, stated that sections of the historic parkland, particularly Horse Close Wood – a secluded area once known as "Piggy Woods" – are being misused as makeshift toilets by some queuers. The nickname dates back to the Second World War, when local residents kept pigs there as part of the wartime food effort. Mr Wright told the PA news agency: "We've come across used tissues – it's clear what they've been used for. Human faeces are far worse than animal faeces in terms of the microbiological load they carry." He added that the problem is particularly acute in the oldest part of the woods, where discreet signage urging visitors to "respect the woods" has proven ineffective. "There's a postcard-sized notice saying please respect these woods – it's a bit mealy-mouthed," he said, recounting an encounter: "Last night, I met three guys heading off there to have a piss." A spokesperson for the All England Club said they have not seen any evidence to substantiate the current claims but confirmed that stewards regularly patrol the area to ensure it is well maintained. They noted that more than 40,000 people had passed through the queue in the first four days of the Championships, praising the Southfields community for welcoming guests with "their usual good will and hospitality". Mr Wright, who lives near the park, claimed that local children have come into contact with human faeces while playing in the area, describing the issue as both a health risk and a symptom of increasing pressure on the park due to the size of the queue. "It's partly the health risk, but it's also the lack of respect," he added. Save Wimbledon Park is a group that opposes the All England Club's plans to build on neighbouring parkland. Concerns about sanitation were previously raised by Mr Wright with his MP, Fleur Anderson, and the leader of Wandsworth Council following a particularly challenging year in 2022, when fewer portable toilets were available. Similar complaints surfaced a decade ago; in 2015, the Wimbledon Times reported instances of human waste, urine "baked dry in the sun", and long queues for limited toilet facilities in the park. At the time, Merton Council confirmed portable toilets were provided and warned that offenders could face prosecution, while the All England Club described the behaviour of a "very small minority" of queuers as "deplorable" and "completely unacceptable".
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
MP demands answers over travel chaos at Wimbledon
Wimbledon's local MP has demanded urgent action over travel chaos that left fans facing cancellations, delays and overcrowding. Paul Kohler, the Labour MP for Wimbledon, posted a letter to X on Wednesday addressed to the Commissioner of Transport for London, raising concerns about repeated issues on the District Line, including signal failures and a fire alert at Southfields – the station closest to the All England Club. He said the problems had severely affected the journeys of residents, commuters and visitors, warning: 'Attendees are now being caught up in cancellations and delays.' Mr Kohler said he had been told Wimbledon station was 'very crowded' on Tuesday and called on TfL to outline what extra support is in place to keep services running smoothly during the rest of the tournament. On Thursday, Campaign group Save Wimbledon Park, which opposes the All England Club's expansion plans onto nearby parkland, said the tournament's impact on the local area goes beyond the grounds themselves. 'We love the tennis – we do,' the group posted on X. 'But there is a real cost to being taken over, even for just two weeks a year. 'Streets are closed, bus routes diverted, parking a nightmare, tube travel ridiculous and traffic at gridlock.' A TfL spokesperson said: 'We apologise to customers affected by the disruption on the District line, which is due to a track fault at Tower Hill. 'Our engineers are working hard to rectify the fault as soon as possible and restore a good service. 'District line customers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and to check before they travel using TfL Journey Planner or the TfL Go app.' Despite the travel disruption earlier in the week, conditions have brightened up for day four of the Championships. Sunshine and 24C temperatures returned to south-west London on Thursday, after rain caused delays and sent fans scrambling for umbrellas on Wednesday. On Centre Court, Novak Djokovic continues his bid for an eighth Wimbledon title as he faces British number three Dan Evans in the second round. World number eight Iga Swiatek also returns to action, taking on American qualifier Caty McNally. Number One Court hosts men's top seed Jannik Sinner against Australia's Aleksandar Vukic, before teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva plays Italy's Lucia Bronzetti. Maria Sakkari will meet 2022 champion Elena Rybakina later in the day, while British hope Jack Draper faces a tough test against former US Open winner Marin Cilic.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
MP demands answers over travel chaos at Wimbledon
Wimbledon's local MP has demanded urgent action over travel chaos that left fans facing cancellations, delays and overcrowding. Paul Kohler, the Labour MP for Wimbledon, posted a letter to X on Wednesday addressed to the Commissioner of Transport for London, raising concerns about repeated issues on the District Line, including signal failures and a fire alert at Southfields – the station closest to the All England Club. He said the problems had severely affected the journeys of residents, commuters and visitors, warning: 'Attendees are now being caught up in cancellations and delays.' I'm acutely aware of ongoing issues with District Line services, affecting both my constituents & visitors during this busy period. I've contacted TfL for urgent updates on recent issues & requested a meeting to discuss improving reliability of services in short & longer term. — Paul Kohler🔶MP for Wimbledon (@PaulKohlerSW19) July 2, 2025 Mr Kohler said he had been told Wimbledon station was 'very crowded' on Tuesday and called on TfL to outline what extra support is in place to keep services running smoothly during the rest of the tournament. On Thursday, Campaign group Save Wimbledon Park, which opposes the All England Club's expansion plans onto nearby parkland, said the tournament's impact on the local area goes beyond the grounds themselves. 'We love the tennis – we do,' the group posted on X. 'But there is a real cost to being taken over, even for just two weeks a year. 'Streets are closed, bus routes diverted, parking a nightmare, tube travel ridiculous and traffic at gridlock.' We love the tennis – we do. But there is a real cost to being taken over, even for just two weeks a year. Streets are closed, bus routes diverted, parking a nightmare, tube travel ridiculous and traffic at gridlock. — Save Wimbledon Park (@SaveWimbldnPark) July 3, 2025 TfL has been approached for comment. Despite the travel disruption earlier in the week, conditions have brightened up for day four of the Championships. Sunshine and 24C temperatures returned to south-west London on Thursday, after rain caused delays and sent fans scrambling for umbrellas on Wednesday. On Centre Court, Novak Djokovic continues his bid for an eighth Wimbledon title as he faces British number three Dan Evans in the second round. World number eight Iga Swiatek also returns to action, taking on American qualifier Caty McNally. Number One Court hosts men's top seed Jannik Sinner against Australia's Aleksandar Vukic, before teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva plays Italy's Lucia Bronzetti. Maria Sakkari will meet 2022 champion Elena Rybakina later in the day, while British hope Jack Draper faces a tough test against former US Open winner Marin Cilic.
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
I did the full Wimbledon experience for less than £60
The majesty of the All England Club hits you the first time you walk through its gates. The money is obvious earlier. Anyone with a vague understanding of the London housing market will realise this urban-bucolic corner of the capital does not come cheap. That much is clear the moment you leave Southfields tube station and immediately spot the tell-tale Gail's across the road. Many of those ambling down Church Road on Monday morning wore drop-waist linen dresses and crisp polo shirts which did not appear to come from Primark. It is all part of the spell cast by a visit to Wimbledon. You see an area at its best, spruced up to within an inch of its life. You absorb the refined buzz of thousands of people, most with world-beating skincare routines, making their pilgrimage to tennis Mecca. All are out for one of their fanciest days of the year and the cheerful mood is potent. But is it worth it? Hard to say, in the era of defeated acceptance of £8 pints. It is certainly possible to spend big here. Paying four figures for hospitality is the safest way to guarantee attendance if you do not fancy your chances in the ticket ballot. Should you succeed in that, the best seats on Centre Court will cost you £105 for day one, rising across the fortnight to £315 for the men's and women's finals. You could certainly make a case for these prices at the beginning of the tournament, on duration alone. Comparably good seats over Putney Bridge at Fulham's Craven Cottage can cost £160 for big games, for which you get 90 minutes of thrilling possession-centric Premier League football. At Wimbledon it is conceivably nine-and-a-half hours of entertainment on the two biggest courts, from the start of play at 1.30pm to the curfew of 11pm, albeit not when one of the three matches is Aryna Sabalenka versus the woman ranked 194th in the world. Is there further value to be had in SW19? I spent the day trying to find it. Tickets Only one viable option here and unfortunately it is going to involve an early start to join a significant queue. Some time before 6am is usually sufficient to obtain a grounds pass ticket, which cannot be bought by any other means. This gives you access to unreserved seats everywhere, except Centre Court, No 1 Court and Court No2. Also, and unusually for similar stratified sporting venues, you have free movement around the site. Gawp at the burly eastern European chap storming back to the changing rooms after his humbling first-round defeat; slow roast yourself upon Henman Hill; take a commemorative selfie with the Court 18 plaque which marks John Isner and Nicolas Mahut's very long match. Or the Fred Perry statue, if feeling basic. All of this will cost you just £30. Sport Admittedly that did not buy you a glimpse of Emma Raducanu, Jacob Fearnley or Katie Boulter on Monday, all of whom were assigned Centre Court or No 1 Court matches. It was still easy to pull off a Brit-hopping challenge, with Oliver Crawford on Court 16 and Oliver Tarvet on Court 4, then a disappointing Oliver drought. Never fear, Cameron Norrie was along soon enough on Court 18, Harriet Dart was third up on 17 and Henry Searle closed out the day on Court 4. Those seeking star names on Monday could watch Holger Rune, Naomi Osaka or Zheng Qinwen, the sixth-ranked player in the world, with a grounds pass ticket. It is an extraordinary day of high-calibre sport for the price. Food Your picnic strategy is key here. Wimbledon forbids coolboxes and hampers but you are allowed to bring whatever you fancy in soft-sided containers. Realistically if you are sticking around for the full day's play you will require another meal. I ask at one of the information stands where to find food on a budget. I receive the reply 'that's a rough question at Wimbledon'. The Walled Garden area next to No 1 Court offers shawarmas and sandwiches which are not priced appallingly, but £5.20 for a stingy portion of fries or pot of edamame beans seems cheeky. Upstairs from there is the Larder where sandwiches start at £4.50 and a sausage roll is available for £5.10. No more than you would pay if short of options in a train station. Heartbreaking news for strawberries and cream fans, though. After a credible 15 year freeze at £2.50 the price has gone up to £2.70 this year. Dawdling near a stand selling them to gauge fury, I encounter a grand total of zero complaints. Drink The picnic amnesty also permits alcohol, either two 500ml beers or one 750ml bottle of wine. Could go for a punchy 20 per cent ABV Pedro Ximénez sherry if you really want to make the most of your personal allowance? A bold move given the weather, but sure to be rewarded. Plausibly could be sipped at intervals across several hours, which would save you the indignity of paying £8.85 for a pint of Stella Artois. I briefly think I have found a hack which reduces this price to £7.50 at the Larder bar but on closer inspection that will only get you a 330ml bottle. For a more sensible hydration strategy there is the option of a reusable Evian bottle with free refills all day for £5, although the plastic bottle may not play well with environment fans. Merchandise Look past the Ralph Lauren vintage tennis print shirt (£229) and the full-zip white jacket which is perfect for your next Roger Federer party (£125) there is the odd affordable option in the shops. I begin a hunt for the cheapest items available, because even budget-conscious fans deserve a souvenir. A promising start with the licensed racket dampeners, £7.99 for two. A keyring attached to a small Slazenger ball is yours for £7. Then I spot some pots of pens, tantalisingly unpriced. A kind assistant tells me the biros are £3 and a black marker pen is £2.50. We have a winner! And a ruined backpack when it inevitably leaks. 'Free fun' If you have the foresight to bring your own water bottle there are several fountains around the site providing free refills. If you are willing to give an affiliated airline your email address you can win a prize draw for a holiday to Dubai, or more likely some branded tat. If you wish to play a tiring-looking target-hitting tennis game with a sponge ball on a big screen then racket-makers Babolat have got your back. The museum, the world's largest about tennis, near gate four, is also worth a visit. Especially because it is usually £32 for adults but free for anyone visiting during the Championship. Extra-especially because it is air conditioned. Verdict With the caveat that you will not be roaring drunk, you will be queueing in a park for several hours, and you might be leaving peckish there is a route to a day at Wimbledon for under £60: £30 grounds ticket £10 homemade picnic £10 bottle of wine £4.95 sandwich £2.50 commemorative marker pen Total: £57.45 In the early days of the Championship, given the high level of play hosted on outside courts, that is a steal compared to most top-level sport. It is to the All England Club's credit that this remains possible. Yes, you might feel ripped off if you come to SW19 under-prepared and thirsty. But few comparable events offer such an accessible route to a bucket list day out.
The Independent
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Wimbledon: How to get tennis tickets in queue and register for 2026 ballot
The 2025 Championships at Wimbledon are upon us as the All England Club opens its doors to the tennis world once again. Carlos Alcaraz is eyeing a third consecutive title in SW19, and is also looking to become the second player to win Roland Garros, Queen's and Wimbledon in the same year. World No 1 Jannik Sinner and British No 1 Jack Draper are the other favourites in the men's draw. World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka is the favourite for the women's title, with 2022 champion Elena Rybakina and French Open winner Coco Gauff also leading contenders. Czech player Barbora Krejcikova is the defending champion. Emma Raducanu, who missed out on a seeding, leads the British contingent in the women's draw, having overtaken Katie Boulter as British No 1 recently. Follow all 14 days of Wimbledon 2025 with The Independent How to buy Wimbledon 2025 tickets Wimbledon continues to be one of the only major sporting events where fans can get tickets on the day of play. The All England Club welcomes more than 40,000 fans per day. With enough dedication, you can brave the queue at Wimbledon Park, near Southfields tube station, which is still a key part of the Wimbledon experience. Fans can queue up - often camping overnight - in order to be at the front of the queue to obtain tickets for either Centre Court or Court 1 for the first 10 days of The Championships. Usually, there are 500 tickets available for Centre Court and 500 available for Court 1. Fans are advised to go to the end of The Queue in Wimbledon Park to obtain a Queue Card. The card will be dated and numbered with your position in The Queue. Fans must retain their Queue Card until the ticket sales structure begins, and are then able to purchase a ticket. The Queue can start the evening before the day's play, with many fans also arriving early in the morning. Ticket sales start at 9.45am in Wimbledon Park, while the grounds open at 10am. Play on outside courts start at 11am, Court 1 at 1pm and Centre at 1:30pm. More information can be found here, with ticket prices here. How do I enter the 2026 public ballot? Fans keen to grab a ticket for the 2026 Championships can now declare their interest. The tournament is scheduled from 29 June to 12 July. The public ballot usually opens in September. For more info, click here. When does Wimbledon start? The 2025 Championships start on Monday 30 June and will finish on Sunday 13 July. Play will start at 11am (BST) on all the outside courts, with Court 1 starting at 1pm and Centre Court at 1:30pm. As tradition dictates, Alcaraz, the defending men's singles champion, will open the tournament on Centre Court on Monday 30 June. Krejcikova, the defending women's singles champion, will open Centre Court proceedings on Tuesday 1 July. What is the full Wimbledon schedule? Monday 30 June – Singles first round Tuesday 1 July – Singles first round Wednesday 2 July – Singles second round; Men's and Women's doubles first round Thursday 3 July – Singles second round; Men's and Women's doubles first round Friday 4 July – Singles third round; Men's and Women's doubles second round; Mixed Doubles first round Saturday 5 July – Singles third round; Men's and Women's doubles second round; Mixed Doubles first round; Juniors (18 & under) singles first round Sunday 6 July – Singles fourth round; Men's and Women's doubles third round; Mixed Doubles second round; Juniors singles first round Monday 7 July – Singles fourth round; Men's and Women's doubles third round; Mixed Doubles quarter-finals; Girls singles second round; Boys Doubles first round Tuesday 8 July – Singles and doubles quarter-finals; Mixed Doubles semi-finals; Wheelchair Singles first round; Boys singles Second Round; Girls doubles first round Wednesday 9 July – Singles and doubles quarter-finals; Quad wheelchair singles quarter-finals; Wheelchair doubles quarter-finals; Junior singles third round; Junior doubles second round Thursday 10 July – Women's singles semi-finals; Men's doubles semi-finals; Mixed Doubles final; Wheelchair singles quarter-finals; Wheelchair doubles semi-finals; Junior singles and doubles quarter-finals Friday 11 July – Men's singles semi-finals; Women's doubles semi-finals; Men's, Women's and Quad Wheelchair singles semi-finals; Junior singles and doubles semi-finals Saturday 12 July – Women's singles final (4pm); Men's Doubles final (1pm); Women's wheelchair singles final; Men's and Quad wheelchair doubles final; Girls singles and doubles final; Boys doubles final Sunday 13 July – Men's singles final (4pm); Women's doubles final (1pm); Men's and Quad wheelchair singles final; Women's wheelchair doubles final; Boys singles final Subject to change How to watch Wimbledon on TV Wimbledon will be shown live on the BBC in the UK, with full coverage of the tournament available to watch on BBC One, BBC Two and across BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. TNT Sports will air a daily 90-minute highlights show and will also have live coverage of both singles finals. If you're travelling abroad and want to watch Wimbledon, then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get the best VPN deals on the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.
