A team of campaigners determined to clean up an alleyway close to their homes have been rejoicing after CCTV cameras were installed.

The alley, off High Road in Harrow Weald, had become a “hotspot for anti-social behaviour”.

Residents frequently came across human faeces, dead rats and drug paraphernalia, while the poor lighting left them fearing for their safety at night.

A push to change this, led by community campaigner Caren Duhig, has moved one step closer after Harrow Council put up CCTV cameras and bright yellow signs as a deterrent.

Ms Duhig, who runs the #Fixit Harrow group on social media, said she was glad to see that the community’s voice had been heard.

“It’s brilliant because it seemed as if nothing was going to be done to try and rectify the problem,” she said.

“It was awful at times as we had all sorts down there and there was a lot of anti-social behaviour.

“I’m over the moon that the signs and cameras have been put up and hopefully it will make things safer for the public.”

The mother of one will soon be moving out of her flat next to the alley but said she was proud to have left a “positive legacy”.

Caren Duhig and her ten-year-old daughter, Cassie

Harrow Times:

She also paid tribute to Cllr Stephen Greek, who represents Harrow Weald, as he was instrumental in securing the technology.

“It’s great to see someone working for the residents and showing that they actual care about us,” she said.

Mr Greek explained how the situation had become so serious – particularly following a spate of discoveries of human faeces and used toilet paper – that something had to be done.

He said: “There have been concerns about this area for several years so we looked into what could be done.

“We asked the council to see about installing CCTV cameras and hopefully this will help reduce the level of anti-social behaviour that has plagued residents in this area.”

He thanked Harrow Council for snapping into action and providing the alley with the signs and cameras and explained that, while it is just a start, things are already looking much more positive there.