Time-banded waste collections are set to hit businesses and residents in Wimbledon early this summer, according to Merton Council.

Businesses along the A219 stretching from Wimbledon Village to South Wimbledon will only have waste collected from the street between 6am and 7am or 5pm until 7pm daily, while residents have between 6am and 7am and 5pm and 7pm on Mondays to leave out their bin bags.

Earlier this year, the council proposed the scheme to "improve the cleanliness and overall street environment" by reducing the amount of time rubbish is left on the street for collection.

However, the council faced a huge backlash after proposals suggested residents could be forced to get up as early as 5am to leave waste on the public highway for collection or face a fixed penalty notice.

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, leader of Merton Council, said: "The consultation was very open. It suggested a time as early as 5am and that was far too early.

"We needed to provide all the possible scenarios but it was always a consultation - a proposal that was out to tender.

"I think we have listened and what I want us to do as a council is to listen, while looking at all possibiilities."

He added of the 900 residents who live on the high street in Wimbledon, about 110 will be affected by the scheme as they have no other method of waste disposal.

He added: "What I am pleased about is that the business community are on board, including Love Wimbledon. They believe this is the right way to go about it.

"500,000 tennis fans are coming every year and they should see Wimbledon in all its glory without rubbish bags lying there."

The scheme is set to take place in a defined area of Wimbledon Village and Wimbledon town centre this summer, although it is not confirmed if it will begin before the Wimbledon Championships (June 24).

If successful the scheme could be rolled out to other town centres in Merton.