Litter-strewn Merton streets will be cleaned up tomorrow by volunteers taking part in a national spring clean.
Community Clear Up Day, a project backed by the government and Keep Britain Tidy, will see scores of people cleaning up their high streets, residential areas businesses and parks across the country.
Merton residents recently voted litter as their number one concern in a council survey, highlighting the scale of the issue in the area.
South Wimbledon Community Clear Up organiser, Andrew Boyce, said: “We hope to have as many volunteers as possible giving two hours of their Saturday morning.
“They will be taking pride in their local area by helping to clean up rubbish and show that we mean business when it comes to tackling this problem.”
Among the litter pickers meeting at Nelson Gardens at 10am on Saturday morning will be Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond.
In Merton town centres and shop fronts are swept daily by manual sweepers while in Mitcham, Wimbledon, Colliers Wood and Morden there is evening cleaning until 10pm.
On average there are two street sweepers to cover each residential area and all residential roads are cleaned up to twice a week where required.
However the amount of litter on the streets has led to questions being asked as to whether the councils are fully enforcing their litter action plans.
Mr Boyce said: “If the council was serious about its anti-litter code and was fulfilling it as it promises then I feel that there would be a bit more of an impact on the problem around Merton.”
Merton Council is supporting tomorrow’s clean up by supplying litter pickers, bags and hi-vis jackets.
Merton Council’s cabinet member for environmental cleanliness and parking, Councillor Judy Saunders said: “Merton is a great place to live but a small minority of people continue to litter our streets.
“We know that many residents work hard to keep their neighbourhood clean and the Love Your Street campaign is about recognising that commitment, taking a stand against litter and showing pride in our local area.
“I encourage everyone to come along and take part in one of the clean-ups and if getting out and about to clean up isn’t your thing, you can still show your support by being the eyes and ears of the community and reporting issues that need to be addressed.
“Our clean teams are out around the clock clearing up litter and fly-tips and we want to work with residents, businesses and schools to show that we will not accept littering in Merton.”
