Terrified mums living in and around Alliance Close claim drug dealers are operating on their doorstep and foul-mouthed youths are destroying bikes and cars for fun.

The harassed mothers from Hounslow Heath told the Chronicle how they are afraid for their children growing up on the estate and called for fellow residents to stand up to the 'bullies'.

"This used to be a really pleasant place to live but over the last 18 months it's become unbearable," said one mum, who was too scared to be named.

"You can't park or leave your bike outside because it will get scratched or stolen.

"The play areas are covered with broken glass and there are drug dealers waiting for children to come out of school."

The catalogue of misery also includes mail being stolen, finding human faeces outside at the entrance to the block and being sworn at by youths standing on a car.

A small group of tenants have urged more families to come forward and form a residents' association and Neighbourhood Watch to help fight the teen terrors.

One woman told how children as young as 10 were joining gangs with names like Heathside Boys and SNY, who get their kicks out of vandalising property and intimidating residents.

"I can't help laughing at some of the gang names but in two or three years' time these boys could be carrying guns and knives," she said.

Cllr John Connelly, of Hounslow Heath, pictured below, claims the problems are a legacy of planning errors made when the development was conceived.

"The whole place has been built without any infrastructure and there's nowhere safe for older children to use," he said.

Developers built a medical centre only to convert it to flats after cash-strapped health chiefs said they couldn't afford the running costs.

Cllr Connelly is keen to develop the open land behind the visitors car park at the heath, possibly as a caged basketball court.

A spokesman for ASRA Greater London Housing Association, which manages some of the flats on the estate, said it was aware of the problems and was organising a meeting for June.

If you are suffering similar problems, call Hounslow Heath Safer Neighbourhood Team on 020 8721 2601 or email newshounslow@trinitysouth.co.uk and we will pass on your details.