THE owners of a Chinese restaurant who were determined to drive loitering drunks and yobs away from their premises have had their efforts rewarded.
Anthony and Jane Wong, who run the Dragon King Restaurant in Uxbridge Road, Hayes, raised their concerns about the alleyway and area behind the restaurant with the Barnhill Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) after their car was vandalised.
The secluded area behind the cluster of shops - which also includes a newsagent, a fast food outlet and an Indian takeaway - has become a hotspot for fly-tippers and gangs of youths in recent years, and it took decisive action from Mr and Mrs Wong to finally tackle the problem.
Working with the police and the council and feeding back on the problems they face every day, Mr and Mrs Wong tirelessly pressed for something to be done and managed to secure the funding needed for an alley gate.
Sergeant Mick Hewitt, of the Barnhill SNT, said: "It is a very small area but nevertheless it has caused us a lot of problems in the past, with anti-social behaviour, drinking and even drug dealing.
"We just needed a resident who would take up the cause and take it all the way, and Mr and Mrs Wong have been excellent.
"This alley gate should improve things for them, and, in turn, help us in our efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area."
The gate cost £2,358, 90 per cent of which was funded by Hillingdon Council's Chrysalis Programme, a community improvement scheme. The other 10 per cent came from residents' contributions.
A clean-up operation has been under way since the gate was installed three weeks ago, and the last of the rubbish that has plagued the area for so long has now been carted away.
Mr Wong said: "It used to be really bad - there used to be gangs of youths
sitting on the steps leading up to our house, drinking at all hours of the day and smashing their beer bottles. We would have to ignore them to avoid any kind of confrontation.
"There was glass everywhere and it was like a public toilet. Our car was dented with a brick and keyed a few months ago and that was the last straw.
"We want customers to feel comfortable coming here, and it was getting to the stage where the situation was affecting trade.
"The difference now is massive -
it's much cleaner and safer, and it looks as though things will stay this way, so we are really pleased."
Councillor Douglas Mills, cabinet member for community safety, said: "Twenty-five schemes of a similar nature were installed last year across the borough, and their popularity grows year on year.
"Alley gating is a self-help scheme which allows residents to work in collaboration with the council and local police to make positive improvements to their area."
