A new pilot scheme to stop shops and businesses cluttering up the streets with rubbish bags in Tooting has been agreed by the council.

Under old rules businesses could put out their rubbish whenever they wanted.

But the council has now enforced new powers stating that rubbish can only be collected between 10am and noon and 10pm to midnight each day. Businesses must also ensure private contractors collect waste at these times.

Traders will be told about the scheme, but if they fail to co-operate they could be issued with a fine.

The scheme forms part of the Tooting Together initiative – a package of measures to tidy up Tooting and make it cleaner, safer and more prosperous.

If its a success, it could be rolled out to other parts of the borough.

Environment spokesman Cllr Malcolm Grimston said: “The powers given to us will enable us to clean up the rest of the borough and stop a minority of selfish people dumping their rubbish wherever they like.”

For more information visit wandsworth.gov.uk/T2G