Councillors have backed calls to bring London’s bicycle hire scheme to Merton.

A full council meeting, held at the Civic Centre on September 12, included a motion from the borough’s two Liberal Democrat members, who called for negotiations to begin on bringing the Barclays-sponsored scheme to the borough.

After the motion was supported by a majority of councillors, Merton's cabinet will now enter into discussions with London's mayor, Boris Johnson.

Following the meeting, Lib Dem Councillor Mary-Jane Jeanes said: "I am delighted that the Council voted to begin negotiations with the Mayor of London about extending the Bike Hire Scheme to Merton.

“More cycling means less congestion and air pollution, improving health.

"It's also a great opportunity to look at what works and what doesn't work about the existing scheme, and argue for improvements.”

The Barclays-sponsored bicycles will come to Wandsworth next year, with plans to install them in Clapham Junction station.

It is estimated to cost £2m in taxpayers’ money up front, but Wandsworth could receive £25m from the bank in additional sponsorship.