Gang of youths banned from housing blocks in Feltham

A gang of yobs who tormented families in two housing blocks in Feltham have been banned from the area.

Intimidating groups of young people causing nuisance with their drinking and drug habits, both inside and outside the Highfield estate, face further police action if they return to the area.

Thanks to residents statements a dispersal order, which banned two or more people from loitering in the area, was introduced by police around Hunter House and Belvedere House between February 19 and 21, making it safer to come and go.

Posters were placed around the blocks warning youths about the action, and police responded quickly to complaints, and seized items of anti social behaviour (ASB).

Anyone asked to leave the area was not permitted to return within 48 hours, and by doing so could face further police action.

Sgt Neil Witcombe from Hounslow council’s policing team added: “Again, I am impressed by the overall community spirit shown in highlighting an issue and the willingness to follow it through by providing the police and council with the evidence to deal with ASB.

“Without help from the community we would never be able to utilise these powers of dispersal. So I would like to thank all you, for your help as together we will continue to move forward in making it a safer community to live in.”

'The days when residents had to put up with ASB are over'

The level of ASB came to a head after people living in the block of flats were faced with almost daily smells of cannabis, stairwells used as an unofficial hangout with even a sofa placed in the area, raising concerns.

A number of complaints were made earlier in the year to Hounslow police and Hounslow council housing staff about youths loitering in the ball park area and inside both blocks, and statements provided by residents gave police powers to introduce the dispersal zone.

Last month, the joint operation between the council and police compiled evidence and put an end to the disruption.

Councillor Richard Foote, cabinet member for community safety, said: “The days when residents had to put up with ASB are over. We simply won’t tolerate our hard working, law abiding residents having to accept ASB as a normal part of their day to day life.

“It’s really important that people whose lives are affected by behaviour like that experienced by some residents of the Highfield Estate go on record and make a statement.

"All reports are confidential. Our professional witness officer will make sure your voice is heard but not your name.”