A construction company has launched an investigation into claims workmen in Kensal Rise used a portable toilet with the door open in front of children.

Wates Living Space, which has been carrying out work on a house in Phillimore Gardens, said they are taking reports of workmen using a toilet cubicle inappropriately “very seriously”. It has now removed the unit.

Cllr Carol Shaw, Conservative councillor for Brondesbury Park, raised the alarm with Brent Council and local landlord BHP Housing after elderly residents living on the close complained when cubicle had appeared on a communal lawn seven weeks ago.

They claim they have seen workmen leaving the door open in view of children while relieving themselves on a number of occasions.

Peter Clark, 82, a retired building contractor, said: “I mean it’s not nice is it? I’m just sitting in my front room looking out and I see a toilet right in front of me and workmen going in and out.

“It’s been stuck there for seven weeks and it should have been in a house or a drive way. The children play on the green in the summer and it’s not right they’ve put a toilet on communal land.”

Cllr Shaw said: “It’s outrageous that residents have reported this behaviour especially as the toilet cubicle had been on the communal green. It was highly visible to the general public, children and families, seven weeks ago and builders proceeded to use this loo allegedly in front of children.”

There have also been allegations workmen threw “big slabs” in the middle of the pavement, which residents said posed a trip hazard.

A spokesperson for Wates Living Space, said: “We are taking Cllr Shaw’s concerns very seriously and have undertaken a full investigation into this matter.

“Wates is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of our neighbours and has a strict code of conduct that all operatives must comply with.

“Further training has now been provided to operatives on the high standards that we expect and we are also investigating the installation of further screening around site based sanitary facilities.”