Residents of a posh street in London have been left horrified by prevalent drug dealing, prostitutes and fighting.
The area around Norfolk Square and Talbot Gardens, near to Paddington station, has reportedly been "scary" for quite some time.
Local councillors have now called on the police to investigate the crime hotspot, reports MyLondon.
A Paddington man, who did not wish to be named, said he had to install shutters on his property after people had sex on his doorstep.
He said: "I’ve been here 17 years and it’s been a problem the whole time. My daughter doesn’t come out if there’s anyone there."
He claimed that people use the gated public gardens for illicit activity as they are so badly lit.
"They shut at 7pm but people just jump over the fence," he added.
"We have got the pimps, the prostitutes and the drug dealers. It's a vicious circle that's not being addressed."
Westminster Labour councillors say they have asked police to investigate anti-social behaviour at Talbot Square.
A newsletter by the Westminster Labour Group read: "What was a tranquil and pretty garden square frequented by University students from the nearby halls of residence is now a meeting point for drug dealers and users.
"Unless something is done this situation will continue to deteriorate attracting users from further afield with all the obvious ramifications for us all."
The newsletter also said there are issues with Praed Mews, a narrow residential street where people are allegedly having sex and going to the toilet.
It continued: "We have had ongoing issues of fly-tipping, drug use, rats, prostitution and using the mews as a toilet for the last year or so."
Another problem area is nearby Southwick Street, were residents claim benches are used by drug dealers and sex workers.
Local Labour councillor Paul Dimoldenberg explained: "The benches tend to get abused in the late evening and early morning by people involved in anti-social behaviour.
"The area is well-known for prostitution and has been for decades."
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said in response to the concerns: "We are aware of concerns raised from the local community about prostitution and associated anti-social behaviour in and around these areas.
"Officers from the local neighbourhood policing teams regularly patrol hotspot areas and will continue to do so – where criminal offences are identified then those responsible will be prosecuted.
"We also work closely with the local authority, charities and support groups to ensure woman identified as being involved in prostitution can access the network of support available to them."
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