Regular readers may have noticed the council’s top politician pursuing his own growth strategy as part of a charity effort.

Since August, Merton Council leader Stephen Alambritis has grown a fully fledged moustache, which he will have shaved outside the civic centre on December 7.

Before then he is hoping to raise £1,000 for the mayor of Merton’s favoured charity, Parkinson’s UK, and is urging residents to support his hairy cause.

Coun Alambritis said: “Some people said I looked like a new man while others have asked if I have something to hide – but I’m pleased to help Gilli Lewis-Lavender to support this charity.

"It’s very itchy and I can’t stop playing with it so I’m looking forward to having it shaved off.”

Send a cheque payable to Mayor of Merton’s Charity to the Leader’s Office, Merton, Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 5DX.

Got a story for us? Call 020 8722 6333, tweet @WimbledonNews or email: newsdesk@wimbledonguardian.co.uk.