Merton Council is launching a new clean-up campaign this week in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, the London Fire Brigade and Safer Merton.

Called Action in Merton (AIM), the initiative is a series of weeks of activity throughout the year targeting specific areas of the borough. The first AIM week is the 14-20 July and will be officially launched by Mayor of Merton Councillor Martin Whelton and Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Bourlet.

The council and its partners will be giving a facelift to the areas around Sadlers Close, Armfield Crescent and Monarch Parade. This will include street cleaning, graffiti removal and litter picking.

Merton’s reassurance bus will be on hand daily between 10.00am and 4.00pm at the clock tower on Fair Green in Mitcham town centre. This will be where residents can seek advice on animal welfare and pest control, as well as meeting the street pastor and members of the Safer Neighbourhoods teams.

Councillor Martin Whelton said: “This is a great example of a working partnership between the council and the agencies it works so closely and effectively with, including the police and fire brigade. Partnerships of this kind are invaluable in creating a safer and cleaner environment for our residents, which in turn play a vital role in improving people’s quality of life.”

Merton Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor David Simpson said: “Actions speak louder than words. Action in Merton really shows the council and its partners at work serving the community, putting the needs of our residents first by doing very practical things to improve the local environment for all.”

Chief Inspector Mark Payne said: ‘People want to see their services making a difference. Action In Merton is an example of just one of the ways in which we are all working hard to deliver results that people can see for themselves. Cared for locations tend not to attract crime and AIM is one of the tools that we can use to help keep our borough one of the safest in London.’

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