Labour’s commitment to keeping Merton’s streets clean and tidy

The Leader of Merton Labour Council, Cllr Ross Garrod, has announced that Colliers Wood Councillor Stuart Neaverson will be joining the Cabinet to lead on keeping Merton’s streets clean and tidy.  

Following the successful introduction of improved waste and street cleaning services earlier this year, Cllr Neaverson will oversee Labour’s work to deliver on what residents have told us matters to them. This includes weekly street cleaning on every residential road in Merton, tougher action to crack down on fly tipping, a new graffiti removal service, and an expanded pop-up tip service so every neighbourhood in Merton has one four times a year.

As Cabinet Member for Transport and Cleaner Streets, Cllr Neaverson will also take on responsibility for Merton’s transport services, including delivering on our pledge to double the number of cycle hangars in the borough.  

Cllr Stephen Alambritis will now take on the role of Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services. Cllr Alambritis has previously been Cabinet Member for Transport and Cleaner Streets and prior to that was the Leader of Merton Labour Council from 2010-2020. His experience as Leader, particularly in keeping Merton’s Council Tax lower than our neighbours in Kingston, Croydon, and Sutton will equip him well to take the lead on Council finances.  

This appointment has been made following Cllr Billy Christie’s decision to stand down from Cabinet due to changes in his personal and professional life. 

Cllr Alambritis will carry on the important work carried out by Cllr Billy Christie and ensure that Labour continues to carefully manage Merton’s finances - protecting frontline services, securing value for money, and delivering on what matters to people in Merton.  

Cllr Ross Garrod said:

“I want to thank Cllr Christie for his exemplary leadership in the finance brief, working hard for the people of Merton and safeguarding the council budget during a challenging time for local government finance across the country. He will be missed but I am pleased that he will continue to support Labour our work to build a cleaner, greener, safer Merton from the backbenches. I am confident that Cllr Alambritis will continue his legacy of protecting frontline services, securing value for money, and delivering on what matters to people in Merton. 

“I am delighted that Cllr Neaverson will now be joining Cabinet to oversee Labour’s work to keep Merton’s streets clean and tidy. Residents have already seen improvements to their services, and I know that Cllr Neaverson will work hard to deliver on what residents have told us matters to them.”