Merton Council has invested in two brand new state-of-the-art mechanical pavement sweepers, in the latest phase of the Keep It Clean Love Merton campaign and are looking for help from Merton residents to find fitting names for them. 

As part of its drive to keep the borough’s streets clean, these new fuel-efficient, multi-functional sweepers are equipped with a quick-change system meaning Veolia’s street cleansing teams can complete a range of tasks such as vacuuming up litter, cleaning all those hard to reach places like under street furniture and jet washing of our pavements. 

The council is always looking for ways to keep Merton streets clean, and investing in this new machinery will enhance the work already being done by the current street cleaners who will continue to work alongside the new mechanical pavement sweepers.  

The council is working closely with its partner Veolia to get these new vehicles onto Merton’s streets for the first phase of work, which will target residential roads and undertake a deep clean of pavements across the borough. 

Residents can take part in the council’s competition to name the mechanical pavement sweepers by submitting their entry to communications@merton.gov.uk by 11:59 pm Saturday 19 February 2022. Entrants must include their full name, plus ‘Competition’ in the subject line.

The shortlisted entries will then be selected by a final on-line public vote and the names will be proudly displayed on the side of the vehicles.  

Clean streets are a top priority for residents, and they are a top priority for the council too. These new vehicles are a fantastic example of Merton’s continued commitment to keeping the boroughs streets clean.  

Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Local Environment and Green Spaces, Councillor Natasha Irons said: “Not only will they help our current street cleaners to keep our residential roads and town centres clean, but they will also help us be more efficient, delivering better value for our residents.  

“I am also really looking forward to seeing the creative entries for the naming competition, but there is a serious side to the competition. We want to raise awareness of our Keep It Clean Love Merton campaign and remind people to take pride in their neighbourhoods and to not dump rubbish. 

“Litter and dumped rubbish takes time to clear and costs the council almost £1 million per year, money that could be used for vital services like social care for our most vulnerable residents.”  

Scott Edgell, General Manager, Veolia SLWP, said: 

“We’re really proud of the good work our teams do to keep Merton clean and these new street sweepers are smaller and lighter and muti-functional which will allow the teams to work more efficiently, as well helping them reach difficult corners and tight spaces.”