Poll finds many in favor of Wimbledon expansion

Wimbledon has "received a major boost in its fight with local residents" over a plan to expand the tournament's footprint , with a poll revealing that "over half of Londoners" are in favor of the proposal. The results of YouGov’s latest survey reveal that 59% of those polled "supported attempts to treble the size of the Wimbledon site," while 8% "opposed the project." The poll results are "potentially significant" as, after being rejected by neighboring Wandsworth Council last year , Wimbledon’s plans "are due to be considered by the Greater London Assembly next month." Following months of consultation the Deputy Mayor of London Jules Pipe will chair the hearing . The outcome "will be one of the most significant days in Wimbledon’s 147-year history." The plans "have sparked a fierce backlash from well-heeled locals," while at the same time receiving "the overwhelming backing of the players" ( London TELEGRAPH, 7/1 ).