Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged his support for the Merton Conservatives in the run up to the local elections.

The Prime Minister said the Conservatives have a very clear manifesto and a robust campaign and he was pleased to give his support to the team, lead by Oonagh Moulton.

The Prime Minister said: "Merton have a very clear manifesto pledging lower council tax, cleaner streets, making sure that we promote local business and help them and I think they have got a very positive programme so I think they are fighting the elections very hard."

As the opposition to a Labour run council in Merton, the Conservatives are among the parties who have begun campaigning on the streets for votes.

When challenged on the local pledges about where promised schools and housing will be built, the Prime Minister said: "From opposition you need to be able to get in to the Government to see the books and all the rest of it."

He was speaking at a meeting in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham today.

Mr Cameron said: "In Hammersmith and Fulham, they have linked up with neighbouring boroughs to share back office costs, a so-called tri-borough initiative.

"It demonstrates what a well run Conservative council can do to cut out duplicating costs and therefore promoting local services and keeping council tax low and that's at the heart of all our councils."

Mr Cameron went on to say he thinks the Conservative team has a very clear offer which is quality services at lower cost.

"They are fighting a very robust campaign and I’m pleased to give them my support and I know Oonagh Moulton has got a strong team and is putting forward some strong policies," he added.

Residents are set to go to the polls on Thursday, May 22.