Unauthorised coaches and minibus have been barred from picking up casual workers in parts of Cricklewood and Queensbury following complaints about them urinating and defecating in public.

Under the new measures rolled out by Brent Police, people will also be banned from approaching and offering casual work to any one in both areas.

The new measures have been rolled out in the Mapesbury and Queensbury wards following a catalogue of complaints about the behaviour of groups of men who congregate in both areas hoping to be offered casual labouring jobs.

The men are picked up by a coach or minibus and taken elsewhere.

Residents and traders have also complained about them obstructing and harassing passers-by, intimidating women, littering, drinking in the street.

Mapesbury has seen an increase in rough sleepers and begging which has been linked to the workers.

The ban, which is part of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), runs until March 20 next year.

Anyone failing to comply with it can be fined up to £1,000.

Chief Inspector Nick Davies, from Brent Police, said: “This order is just one approach to tackle anti-social behaviour and we will continue to work in partnership with Brent Council to improve the quality of local resident’s lives.”

Cllr James Denselow, lead member for stronger communities at Brent Council, added: “We’re sending a clear message that enough is enough, and we’ll follow that up by issuing warnings and on the spot fines.”