THE ORGANISER of a clean up of a run down area in Barnes is asking why residents who live in the Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) homes nearby are not taking part.

The alleyway, just off Grove Road, Limes Avenue and Terrace Gardens, is owned by several surrounding houses and RHP.

And, residents are getting ready for the tidy up tomorrow (Saturday), which is supported by Richmond upon Thames Council.

But, Elizabeth Barnett of Terrace Gardens said: "I have asked the people living in the RHP houses and they are not interested in helping.

"The land is owned by everyone backing onto it."

RHP maintains that there has been a problem with fly tipping in the alleyway for some time now, and although they make regular efforts to clear it, more rubbish is then dumped.

A spokesman said: "We cannot block off the alley as it is needed for access to the resident's gardens.

"We support the actions of the local people in clearing the area and are sending some caretakers down to help.

"Our team of over 60 caretakers work on estates across the borough in the frontline of our fight against anti-social behaviour ensuring they are safe and pleasant environments to live in and we have a bulk rubbish team who regularly clear large items from our property."

A spokesman for the council said: "We do all that we can to encourage the landowners and occupiers to take action to prevent further fly-tipping and we help them to clear the existing rubbish."