Harrow Council has admitted there is a problem with street drinking and anti-social behaviour in a busy town centre square – but has vowed to change its fortunes.

Those living and working in Wealdstone have consistently highlighted the situation in the space between Subway and Holy Trinity Church.

It is “frequently filled with people drinking during the day”, and some have complained about drug use, public urination and persistent noise.

Zoe Flemming, who lives in Wealdstone, believes the situation is symptomatic of the region’s deterioration and feels as if enough is enough.

She said: “These people occupy the square from 8am up until sometime around 4am.

“Residents are kept awake from the noise and disturbance and walking through the square is dangerous and intimidating.

“Men often urinate without any modesty, thus exposing themselves to passers-by.

“They fight, throw bottles and have no consideration or awareness of those around them.”

She has started an online petition, which has already received over 300 signatures, to encourage authorities to resolve the situation.

There are also plans for a silent protest in the area, and she hopes to help organise a street event to “bring the community together and bring a smile back to Wealdstone”.

Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, said the council is “aware” of the problems in the square and it is “working with its partners to address this”.

He explained that there are measures in place to counter the issue – police and environmental compliance officers can hand out fines for drinking, littering, urinating or defecating, for example.

But he also wants to look to the long term and says the regeneration projects in the area will help improve the situation.

He said: “We realise that short-term solutions like these only go so far. In the longer term, we are determined and poised to transform the centre of Wealdstone with two ambitious projects which will radically improve the environment.

“Our plans for Wealdstone Square and our new civic building will bring massive new footfall and commercial opportunity to the town, day and night – as well as designing out crime with some of the most advanced and proven architectural techniques.”