GANGS messing about with fireworks are being booted off the street after residents also complained of drugs, dogs and criminal damage. A new fireworks zone in Kensal Green ward will allow constables and police community support officers (PCSOs) to take ac

GANGS messing about with fireworks are being booted off the street after residents also complained of drugs, dogs and criminal damage.

A new fireworks zone in Kensal Green ward will allow constables and police community support officers (PCSOs) to take action with groups of youths causing anti-social behaviour.

Young people under the age of 16 can also be returned home after 9pm if they are not with an adult.

Sgt Greg Wakefield from Kensal Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) said: "Police and Brent Council received more than 25 complaints about groups of individuals causing anti-social behaviour in our ward.

"We are responding to concerns of residents and are working with the council to resolve these issues.

"We hope this new fireworks order will give us the means to improve the quality of life for the community and local businesses."

The order covers Hazel Road, including the open space and children's playground; Greyhound Road including the pocket park; the basketball court on the corner of Hazel and Greyhound Road; Earlsmead Road and St Margaret's Road and will run until November 14.

Cllr Hayley Matthews, lead member for community safety, said: "This type of action is driven by the local community and is a direct response to concerns raised by residents and businesses.

"The idea is to put in place controls that allow the police to intervene where there are instances of anti-social behaviour within a particular area.

"This approach has been very successful in the past and I hope it will have a positive effect on the area and change behaviour for the better over the term."

Contact the SNT on 020 8721 2055 or email KensalGreen. snt@met.police.uk for any information which will be kept in confidence.