Gates at a popular park are to be shut overnight in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour.

An entrance to Harrow Recreation Ground, in Roxborough Road, will be locked after concerns were raised about drug use, fly-tipping and nuisance parking.

The joint venture, run by Harrow Council and the friends group tasked with looking after the park, hopes to deter those responsible for damaging the area’s image and reputation.

A spokesperson for Harrow Council said: “No one should ever be made to feel unsafe or unable to use our parks because of a few inconsiderate people.

“From January 24, the gates will be locked from the evening and overnight so that it is not being abused by commuters who are using up car parking spaces.

“Residents, neighbours and park users will also be pleased that it will help to prevent anti-social behaviour.”

The gates will be locked at sunset and will re-open at 9.30am. The Harrow Recreation Ground Users Association will have responsibility for this.

Caren Duhig, who founded the community group #Fixit Harrow Network, said the move is a step in the right direction in terms of improving the borough.

She said: “It’s very useful and it will help keep the park clean and tidy. Lots of people have a passion for maintaining the parks in Harrow and this is great to see.

“They’re used by lots of families and it’s important to keep our parks nice so that we can be proud of them.”

Ms Duhig added that she hopes to see similar measures introduced at Harrow Weald Recreation Ground – a space that has been blighted by fly-tipping in recent months.