Merton Council has issued over 100 fixed penalty fines to those who have littered in less than two months.

The council says that their environmental officers have been busy patrolling parks and breaking up 'unruly gatherings'.

Pictures show litter being dumped directly next to 'do not litter signs' and next to public bins.

The bandstand in Morden Park has seen empty alcohol bottles, cups, candles and cigarette ashes.

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Merton’s Cabinet Member for Commerce, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, said:

“We are delighted that so many Merton residents are enjoying our beautiful parks at this time- everyday has been like another sunny bank holiday.

"All our parks are incredibly busy right now which does bring a number of challenges including extra litter.

"We are working hard to meet these challenges but it would be enormously helpful if residents could take the remains of their picnics and any litter home with them- especially if the litter bins available are full.

"From April, we have issued 127 fixed penalty fines for people who have littered in our parks.

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"We are grateful that the majority of park users are respecting the environment, and are observing the guidelines regarding social distancing.

"However, our environmental enforcement officers are patrolling all the main parks, including Morden Park, to disperse any large or unruly gatherings.

"Merton is one of the greenest London boroughs, and we are proud that our beautiful parks are enhancing the lives of so many residents at a time so many places are closed.”