Campaigners objecting to the relocation of Mitcham's clock tower have decorated the monument and surrounding trees with yellow ribbons and signs saying, "Please don't move me, just for the sake of the bus lane."
Merton Council is proposing to move the Victorian Grade II listed clock tower from its current position on Fair Green to a formal garden on Upper Green East, as part of the Rediscover Mitcham development project.
But members of Mitcham Society and Mitcham Cricket Green and Community Heritage Group (MCGCHG) claim the move will mean the loss of an important community focal point.
They also argue it will see the removal of 13 trees.
Sandra Vogel, secretary of Mitcham Society, said: "Over the years the clock tower setting has become important to the people of Fair Green - most recently the Remembrance Day service drew hundreds of local people and in its new location there would be almost no public gathering space."
The council's regeneration team, argue the relocation will increase accessibility and visibility; with a new plinth, restoration of original gas lamps, a water fountain and a wall and seating surround.
The sign pleading for the monument not to be moved
John Mansfield, Mitcham Society chairman, said: "At the council workshops we had votes and the results showed people were totally against the move."
He added: "There is going to be a road next to the clock tower and a bus lane so it won't be safe for children."
The Rediscover Mitcham project includes plans for a board walk around the Three Kings Pond and a newly landscaped Fair Green with a 'bus street' through it which has caused controversy since it was first proposed.
Mitcham's clock tower was originally built on the former site of the village water pump, where it became a rallying point for orators, evangelists and politicians. The pump was replaced by an ornate cast iron column incorporating a drinking fountain and four gas lamps lighting the clock to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
The clock tower has been moved several times in its history and has been in its current location since 1994.
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