AN alleyway in Hayes that was a magnet for anti-social behaviour magnet has been made safer, thanks to Hillingdon Council's alley-gating scheme.

New lights have been installed along the alleyway, linking East Avenue and Coldharbour Lane, and a courtyard area next to it has been gated. The alleyway has also been cleared of rubbish, including an abandoned car.

Working with the neighbouring community, police and business owners, Hillingdon invested nearly £5,000 in the gating scheme to cut fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles and criminal activity.

The borough’s community safety team also secured an agreement from local businesses to contribute towards the scheme and take responsibility for its upkeep and running costs.

Cllr Douglas Mills, cabinet member for community, said: “We want to encourage people to feel positive about spending time in the Hayes area and we know that alley gating and adding lights in this location will help to achieve this.

"Coldharbour Lane is also the focus for the first phase of Hayes town centre regeneration, starting later this month, which will bring further improvements to street lighting and increased footfall throughout Hayes town centre.

“The regeneration will also design out crime and make it safer and more pleasant for all residents and businesses.”