Friends Of Tooting Common held their first litter pick of the season today and collected an 'unbelievable haul of rubbish'.

The volunteers usually participate in a group cleaning of the Tooting Bec green space.

Unfortunately, the regular litter picks had to be suspended due to lockdown.

Rubbish on the common has been a constant issue that residents and the council have sought to tackle, especially with summer coming up.

A spokesperson for FOTC said: "Friends of Tooting Common are concerned at the volume of litter on the Common.

"We consider that more could be done on litter collection, and have raised the issue with Enable and the Council.

"However, it is also very important that people take litter home with them, and certainly do not to leave it lying out on the Common.

"Littering the Common is selfish, and spoils the Common – which is a really excellent greenspace, available to everybody – for everyone else."

Tom Mytton, Conservative Councillor Candidate for Bedford Ward, attended the litter pick this afternoon and told Nub News:

"We are so lucky to have such a fantastic green, open space on our doorstep - it's a real shame that people leave litter about.

"The Friends of Tooting Common and their volunteers do a fantastic job to support keeping the common clean and tidy and I love being out helping them.

"It's important to me and all local residents."

Tooting MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan previously called on residents to share their experiences with waste and litter.

"The issue of litter in our community is a growing concern for me, and no doubt for many residents," Allin-Khan said.

Sarah McDermott, Conservative Councillor for Nightingale ward, responded to the collection on Twitter:

"I'm always amazed that people using the common can't use bins or take their litter home."

You can find out more about the work of FOTC and how to get involved here.

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