THREE vehicles were removed by Ealing Council after the owner left them to rot in a residential road.

A VW Beetle, VW Camper Van and a Ford Escort were dumped on a grass verge opposite 38-40 Avenue Road, Southall.

The verge, owned by the council, runs along the full length of the road and includes a public footpath.

Ealing’s enviro-crime prevention team contacted the vehicles’ owner, William Hepworth, of Avenue Road, in the summer to ask he remove them.

When he failed to do so, officers issued a notice requiring him to clear the cars within 14 days. When that expired, officers went to court for an order allowing them to tow the vehicles away.

This was contested by Mr Hepworth but the court found in favour of the council.

The vehicles will be stripped down and any useable parts sold to set against the cost of removal.

To improve the appearance of the area the council’s tree service has planted two trees and removed rubbish from the site.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “This man was using a grass verge as a dumping ground, which created an eyesore on public land.

"Not only does this look unpleasant, it can attract anti-social behaviour and make the area feel unsafe.

“He was given plenty of time and several chances to remove these cars but chose to ignore our requests."