Harrow families terrorised by 'yobbos' afraid to leave homes

Locals living in Badminton Close, Harrow, claimed they have been appealing to the council and the police for months, urging them to help tackle the issues in their road. 
They claimed people have damaged flowerbeds, thrown stones and marbles, and urinated on trees.

One woman, Judi, who has to use a wheelchair, said: “I’m at my wit's end here. There are times where I feel like a prisoner in my own home because I can’t go out. I’ve been in tears trying to sort it out.”

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She said “yobbos” often swing from the bars attached to the ramp leading up to her home and they have tormented her pet cats by “chasing them with sticks and stones”.

Judi added: “All we’re asking for is someone to help us. We feel totally neglected here. Councillors have told us that work is being done but we can’t see that. And we’re the ones who end up suffering.”

Her neighbour, who only wanted to be named as Clay, said there were regular issues with fly-tipping, while the pavement is in such poor condition that people could trip on it. He also claimed he had to chase “crackheads” out of his garden and has spent time clearing up needles and other drug paraphernalia left at the bottom of the close.

He said: “We’ve had people chucking stones, dirty nappies left in the road. I always think, you wouldn’t like it in your area, so why are you doing it here?”

Judi and Clay said they have reported these issues to the council but haven’t seen any action.

A Harrow Council spokesperson said: “The council has not been made aware of issues at Badminton Close through its official reporting channels.

“However, our officers will take a look at the area and examine the issues raised to determine the best course of action. Residents are encouraged to report issues via the council’s website which go directly to the relevant service areas.”