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Renovated bridge to be named after late Colliers Wood councillor

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Councillor Gam Gurung died last year.

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By SWLondoner staff 

A late Merton councillor is to be honoured with a bridge named in his memory.

The Colliers Wood bridge, currently known as Bewley Bridge, is to be renovated and formally opened in June, when it will be named after Councillor Gam Gurung who died last year at the age of 53.

Councillor Gurung was a Gurkha soldier and a leading light in the Nepalese community in Britain.

“My husband loved his work as a councillor representing Colliers Wood residents and this is a lovely tribute to his memory,” said his widow Kabita.

“The entire Gurung family are all very proud of the legacy he has left.”

Soldiers from the Gurkha engineer unit will be drafted in to help contractors complete the work, which will see the bridge join Wandle Meadow Nature Park with Bewley Street. A new cycle way will also be installed alongside the walkway for pedestrians.

Merton Council cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration Councillor Andrew Judge said disruption to the area would be kept to a minimum while works are carried out.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to mark the memory of a much missed colleague and friend who represented Colliers Wood residents and who was a major figure in the UK Nepalese community,” he said.

“It’s great to hear that this bridge will be ready for summer so that cyclists and walkers alike can benefit from it while they are out and about enjoying this part of the beautiful Wandle Valley Park.”

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