Merton Council has won the prestigious Clean Britain award for its work at Fieldgate Lane, Mitcham.
Photo shows left to right: Nick Hewer, Debbie Alexander (from sponsor, The Helping Hand Company), Mark Holmes (Merton Council), Michelle Kolattek (Sustainable Merton), Lara Bryant (The Helping Hand Company)
Over the last 10 months Merton Council has worked closely with local residents, Sustainable Merton and Circle Housing Merton Priory to help transform a fly tipped wasteland into a beautiful community orchard and garden.
Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, joined an army of local volunteers to help create a beautiful public space with plants, vegetables and fruit for the community to enjoy.
The award was presented by Countdown host and former Apprentice star nick Hewer.
Councillor Chung said: “It was a wonderful experience working with local people who really care about their environment and who want to create a place where it’s good to spend time and get away for a few moments from the busy town centre. Residents will continue to nurture this land with the great help of Sustainable Merton and will be able to benefit from the edible crops there too.”
Cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration Councillor Andrew Judge said: “This was months in the making and I would like to thank colleagues in our environment and regeneration department for leading on this project which will benefit the community for generations to come. Thanks must also go to Sustainable Merton, who are always incredibly supportive, and to the other partners who have put in the work to make this happen.”
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
Partners involved in the Mitcham Community Orchard and Garden include: Sustainable Merton, Barratt Homes, Circle Housing Merton Priory, Merton Chamber of Commerce, the companies working out of the council’s Business Generator Centre in Mitcham, Wyvale Garden Centre, Asda and the Ahmadiyya Mosque.
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 6000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk