A residents' association has demanded Merton Council clean up the borough before Wimbledon tennis starts next month.

An email sent yesterday, June 20, by Leigh Terrafranca on behalf of Wimbledon East Hillside Residents Association said: "The black bins are revolting - they have never been washed with soapy water and a scrub brush.

"Some don't lock, some are broken, and all are disgusting, covered with carbon soot, butts and sticky mess and/or vomit.

"The footpath surrounding the bins are equally repulsive. There is simply no excuse for this blatant lack of attention."

The association said bad smells have been worsened this week due to the hot weather.

It said: "Merton Council may have forgotten that Wimbledon residents provide Merton with around 70 million in rates each year, in addition to the some 50 million generated by the tennis. What, exactly, does Wimbledon get in return?"

A council spokesperson today confirmed the bins would be jet washed in the run-up to the tournament, as they are every year.

The annual tennis tournament at the All England Club begins on July 3 this year.