With new bins being delivered to homes all across Merton, it seems a few people have decided to use the old ones for a different purpose.

Pictures taken late last week show bins being used to reserve parking spaces in Wilson Avenue as well as Steers Mead.

The irony in this, however, is those same pictures show litter sprawled around the streets with bins just yards away.

Merton Council cabinet member for regeneration, housing and transport, Councillor Martin Whelton said this was no laughing matter.

“The highway is there for everyone to use and residents should not be reserving parking spaces," he said.

"Blocking the road is both dangerous and inconsiderate to other road users.

"Residents living on a road with parking bays or yellow lines can apply for a temporary parking bay suspension or yellow line dispensation if they are moving house or carrying out building work.”