Merton is in the midst of a big Spring clean as community activists gather to tackle litter blighting Merton's streets and parks.

More than 20 bags of rubbish were collected by a group of volunteers during a two-hour clean-up supported by Merton Council around Morden Road on Saturday.

The next day a group of teenagers from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association teamed up with Wimbledon and Putney Commons to clean rubbish dumped around the parks.

Volunteer co-ordinator Nasir Rana, who was among the group of 15 litter-pickers said: "Holding events like these are a great way to establish a successful multicultural society.

"As Muslims we are told that cleanliness is an integral part of our faith. Giving up just one hour can make a huge difference."

Wimbledon Times:

Leading the litter battle: members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community clean up Wimbledon Common 

Community activists were also spotted in Ravensbury Park on Monday, as a group of volunteers gathered to tidy up a woodland area on the banks of the River Wandle.

Wimbledon Times:

Wandle Trust volunteers tidy up a woodland area in Ravensbury Park 

And Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond is expected to be among litter-pickers taking part in South Wimbledon's first-ever clean-up day on Saturday, as the country comes together for a nationwide Community Clear Up Day organised by campaign group Keep Britain Tidy.

Councillor Judy Saunders, cabinet member for environmental cleanliness and parking, said: "I just think it's fantastic that we have got local volunteers who want to come out and fight the litter."

Future clean up events in the borough include:

- Wednesday 1 April, 10am-12pm: Lowry Crescent, Western Road and Lavender Park meeting at the Lowry junction with Western Road
- Thursday 9 April, 10am-1pm:  Fieldgate Lane (Mitcham) family planting day with Sustainable Merton meeting at Miles Road playing fields

To find out more about how to get involved in the Love Your Street anti-litter campaign, visit Merton Council's website.