Merton's too clean for Boris (From Your Local Guardian)

Merton's too clean for Boris

11:12am Wednesday 2nd April 2008 in News By Craig Burnett

Merton has lost out on the chance to star in Boris Johnson's election campaign - because the borough is "too clean".

The Conservative MP and mayoral hopeful had been looking for a backdrop to launch his environmental policies in the run up to May's elections.

Boris was to be pictured getting his hands dirty as he helped local volunteers tidy up an outdoor space, and Merton was in the running to host the PR stunt.

But the borough was passed over as Tory party members could not find any outdoor spaces that were sufficiently in need of a spring clean.

Council leader David Williams said: "It's a storming success for Merton. We've got a lot here to be proud of."

The Conservative councillor said that Merton's tidiness was a result of the council following the mayoral candidates strategy for keeping the capital green through practical, small scale projects.

“We need the improvement of our open spaces as a top priority on the environmental agenda. I am the man to bring about that change.”

Boris Johnson

"What we've been trying to do here is consistent with what Boris wants to do across London," he said.

However, one residents' association chief described his comments as "like a red rag to a bull".

Keith Spears, of Colliers Wood Residents Association, said: "We do have a problem with fly tipping that needs to be addressed."

He listed three sites in his area that were plagued by fly tipping, and urged the council to tackle the problem.

Boris eventually launched his environment manifesto on Hampstead Heath on March 27, alongside Conservative MP Peter Ainsworth and green expert Zac Goldsmith.

He said: "I will take action to make London the greenest city in the world.

"We need the improvement of our open spaces as a top priority on the environmental agenda. I am the man to bring about that change."