If you're fed up with seeing Merton's streets tarnished with litter, now you can help by taking part in a weekend of action against rubbish.

Merton Council has joined forces with community action group Merton Matters, calling on residents to pick up their brooms and sweep in unison over a weekend dedicated to fighting litter.

Daniel Goode, founder of Merton Matters who came up with the idea for the Big Spring Clean, said: "It’s not the council that drops the litter, it’s people and they need to be encouraged not to.

"The council I think felt they were being brow-beaten by residents and when they understood it is also about co-operation between residents and the council they were much more keen to get involved because it was not just a group of residents pointing their fingers and saying sort it out."

The Big Spring Clean will take place in a maximum of ten litter hotspots across the borough, chosen by residents and councillors, on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6.

Councillor Judy Saunders, cabinet member for environmental cleanliness, said: "We are all fed up of people littering on our streets. Our clean teams are out around the clock clearing up litter and fly tips.

"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."

Campaigners want to make it clear there is no excuse for littering.

The council spends more than £5m every year clearing the streets of litter, fly tips, graffiti and other environmental crimes.

Locations will be announced by Merton Matters and the council soon and posted on the council website, Twitter and Facebook.

Litter picks, gloves and bags will be handed out to participants on the day, with anyone taking part asked to register by Monday, March 24.

To take part, call 020 8545 3189, leaving your name, address and confirmation you are willing to help in any areas selected for the Big Merton Spring Clean.

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