A DISENCHANTED 53-year-old man says he is regretfully leaving the borough for good after becoming fed up with the proliferation of students in his road.
Claims of uncollected rubbish bags, loud music and drug taking are among the elements that have pushed a man who has lived in the borough all his life to accept a low offer on his house and sample pastures new.
Bill Rawlings, of Lodge Close, Cowley, said: "My road used to be a lovely little close, but now it's an eyesore. I can see no improvement in Cowley over the coming years - my friends all agree with me, it will just be a student town."
Mr Rawlings said he does not entirely blame the students. His anger is directed at landlords who snap up properties to rent out to students.
With the rapid expansion of Brunel University, it is a booming market.
Mr Rawlings said: "Some of the students are okay. They pay their rent just like every-body else and they want to have fun. Unfortunately the landlords don't give them the tools to do basic maintenance, like cutting the grass.
"I moved here in 2000 after living in West Drayton all my life. I purchased this house as my last property and was hoping to remain here all my life.
"My wife is on sleeping tablets, anti-depressants and spends her nights in the small bedroom furthest away from the adjoining property so she has a better chance of sleeping.
"I have argued with students regarding the noise and the mess, but largely to no avail."
Mr Rawlings, a facilities manager, said this time last year his house was valued at £320,000, but because of the current state of the property market he has reluctantly had to sell for £250,000.
"I'm looking to move to Berkshire," he said. "Lots of people viewing my property were landlords buying to rent out. So at considerable cost and with a heavy heart, I am leaving Hillingdon borough after 53 years, defeated, disillusioned and angry."
