A Finchley man is mustering support to tackle the "appalling wasteland of litter" he says is building up around the borough of Barnet.

Tim Rusby, 50, of High Road, North Finchley, has condemned the large amounts of rubbish found in some open spaces in the borough and wants to gather volunteers to help clean them up.

He points to areas around Copthall Leisure Centre, in Hendon, where plastic bags adorn trees and bottles line the perimeters.

"Barnet is an appalling example of a borough letting its environment slide into an abyss of pollution," said Mr Rusby, a business analyst.

"On the map and from the car, the wooded and green areas around Copthall look like inviting places for a walk. In reality, they are an appalling wasteland of litter.

"The areas are marred by something that can be cured very easily and if residents get together we can clean it up with the council's help."

Clive Cohen, of London Wildlife Trust's Barnet group, said people need to understand the importance of keeping areas clear of rubbish.

He said: "Plastic bags are a considerable threat and animals such as hedgehogs can become caught up in bottles.

"It is very important to take action because if we neglect the spaces, areas become underutilised as they are seen to be dirty and unhealthy.

"If people start taking rubbish home, it would be a huge help to the environment."

Mr Rusby is hoping to gather up to 30 volunteers, supported by Barnet Council.

A council spokeswoman said it has a lawful responsibility to ensure schools, railways and other landowners keep their properties clear of litter and refuse, but added: "We welcome groups who want to do a clean up in any of our open spaces and we provide equipment such as litter pickers, gloves and skips.

"There are a number of groups who organise various activities in the parks including litter picking, which include the various friends and conservation volunteer groups attached to the parks."

For more details residents can email parks@barnet.gov.uk or call the customer care unit on 020 8359 4600.

Anyone interested in helping Mr Rusby can email Tim.Rusby@emcoruk.com