Anyone wishing to take part should register by March 24.
Merton Matters is calling on residents to pick up their brooms, buckets, mops and sponges ahead of the Big Merton Spring Clean.
Last week, SWLondoner reported that the spring cleaning operation would take place in a maximum of 10 locations across the whole borough on the weekend of Saturday 5 and Sunday April 6.
Now, working alongside Merton Council, Merton Matters has announced that anyone wishing to take part should register their interest by Monday March 24.
There will also be the chance to sign up as a Merton Street Champion for those participating during the weekend.
Merton Council cabinet member for environmental cleanliness, Councillor Judy Saunders, highlighted the clear initiative from the council to get the public involved in tackling Merton’s littering crisis.
“We are encouraging as many residents as possible to be involved in the spring clean,” she said.
“It’s great to be working on this exciting new initiative with Merton Matters to tackle this issue.”
Through the Big Spring Clean, the council and Merton Matters want to raise awareness of the littering issue in Merton, and make it clear to everyone in the borough that dropping litter on the streets is unacceptable.
The council currently spends over £5million a year on clearing up litter, graffiti and fly tipping, and says that this money could be better spent on other services to benefit the community.
Through the initiative, Merton Matters’ Dan Goode hopes to take advantage of the huge community spirit of Merton.
“The aim is to show that the majority of Merton residents have pride in where they live and are prepared to get involved,” he said.
“We’re so lucky to live in a beautiful and green London borough, and we all need to look after it so we can all continue to enjoy this great place.”
Goode says that he hopes the Spring Clean may become an annual event, and that it is not simply about the number of people who turn up.
He said: “Of course I want as many people involved as possible, but I’ll be thrilled whether 10 or 100 people turn up, as regardless it says something about the community and what we are trying to achieve.
“I hope afterwards people will walk through their streets with a fresh eye, and be more conscious of the impact that littering has on the borough, and on the people that pass through it.”
“We are all fed up of people littering on our streets,” Cllr Saunders added. “We know the vast majority of people look after where they live, but we want to crack down on the few who spoil the local environment for the rest of us.”
All residents need to do to get involved is call 020 8545 3189 and leave their name and where they live. Merton Council will hand out litter picks, gloves and bags on the day.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Van Campen, with thanks.
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