Disused garages that were a magnet for anti-social behaviour have been demolished.

The 90 garages owned by Harrow Borough Council in Augustine Road, Hatch End, were torn down following reports from people living nearby of rough sleeping, flytipping and even arson.

Most of the buildings were no longer used and a consultation has now started with people living nearby to find out what they would like to do with the space.

Deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for housing Cllr Barry Macleod-Cullinane said: “This first demolition marks the start of an innovative scheme which will see hundreds of garages revived or replaced.

“Many of our garages can be repaired and re-let, allowing us to meet a growing demand from our tenants and leaseholders for secure parking spaces.

“However, the demand for some of our garage sites has fallen dramatically, with disused garages becoming magnets for anti-social behaviour and crime.

“We are therefore demolishing these and are planning to either replace them with much-needed housing or, where this is not suitable, to do something else that benefits the local community.”

The site in Hatch End is just one of many round the borough being assessed by the council to see if there is a better use of the sites and possibly build new houses as part of the Homes for Harrow scheme.