Groups from around Merton joined forced to clean up the borough for the ‘Big Tidy Up’ weekend.
Volunteers from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA), based at Morden’s Baitul Futuh Mosque in London Road, joined forces with local environmental group Sustainable Merton for a litter pick in Morden town centre on Saturday, March 4.
Merton Council’s cabinet member for street cleanliness and parking, Councillor Ross Garrod, said: “Thank you very much to all who have come to the Big Tidy Up in Morden today.
“We have had a fantastic number of volunteers attending today. We are sending a clear message that Merton is united.”
AMYA youth leader for south west London, Aamer Hafeez, said: “Cleaning the community we live in is an integral part of our faith and a civic responsibility.
“Our members have enjoyed living in the borough of Merton for decades, and so any opportunity to help our local community is much welcome.”
From Thursday: 'We all need to do our bit': Merton residents urged to clean up the streets for Big Tidy Up weekend
The Merton Conservative group organised a litter pick in Haydons Road Recreation Ground also on Saturday March 4, which was attended by Stephen Hammond MP and members of the Wimbledon Labour group, while staff from the Gorringe Park pub joined a litter pick in Figges Marsh.
Great litter pick in South Wimbledon this morning, thanks to everyone who came to help! pic.twitter.com/7obzPPV4bs
— Stephen Hammond MP (@S_Hammond) March 4, 2017
@MertonTories Out with @S_Hammond @oonaghmoulton @JaniceHoward8 cleaning up our borough #GBSpringClean pic.twitter.com/CljouuklGs
— Linda Taylor (@LindaJCTaylor) March 4, 2017
Great morning litter-picking with @MertonTories @S_Hammond & local residents #GBSpringClean #BigTidyUp pic.twitter.com/N3wiRxwmvL
— Oonagh Moulton (@oonaghmoulton) March 4, 2017
And on Friday, March 3, students from Cranmer Primary School in Mitcham were joined by AFC Wimbledon’s mascot, Haydon the Womble, for their clean up.
Cllr Garrod said: “It is great to see these young people get involved, so a big thank you to Cranmer School.
“It is also fantastic that Haydon the Womble could be there too. Wombles are well known for being environmentally conscientious and for keeping the place clean and tidy, so it was wonderful to have his support.
“It is also great we have so many people in Merton who love Merton.”
Science teacher at Cranmer Primary School, Rachel Cherry, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for the children to help their community and learn about how important it is to keep the environment clean and tidy.
“The children really enjoyed it. As well as the usual litter, they found two pairs of shoes, some broken CDs and a duvet cover.
“They have been really surprised by what they found in such a short time.”
The Big Tidy Up was a nationwide campaign for Keep Britain Tidy.
Did you take part in The Big Tidy Up? Send your pictures to pippa.allen@newsquest.co.uk
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