Merton’s Neighbourhood Warden scheme staged a number of clean-up days with local primary schools earlier this month.

Armed with litter-pickers, overalls and refuse bags, the team of wardens went to Liberty and Bond Schools in Mitcham and Merton Abbey School in Colliers Wood. They got stuck in and helped the children litter-pick the school grounds and the surrounding areas, whilst educating them about the harmful effects of litter and the importance of caring for their environment.

Merton Abbey School chose to clean the nearby Nelson Gardens, where six large refuse bags of rubbish were collected.

These clean-up events follow the Wardens’ Pollards Hill Clean-up event in 2002, for which they won an ENCAMS Award, and a string of school clean-ups in 2003.

Councillor Linda Kirby, Cabinet Member for Environmental Quality said: “it’s great to see these children showing such enthusiasm in keeping their school clean and safe. It’s so important that children are taught to respect the environment in which they live.”

Ends.

Notes to Editors
ENCAMS is the national charity that runs the ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ campaign.
Photographs are available on request.