Cannabis smoking, illegal fires on balconies and public urination are just some of the incidents one councillor wants to end on an estate in her ward.

In the past few months, reports of anti-social behaviour at Broomhill Court, Woodford Green, have increased dramatically, and residents and local councillors have had enough.

Cllr Linda Huggett said: “Broomhill Court lost its dedicated housing officer and now we have these young people loitering around. If it’s not at Broomhill Court it’s Claymore Square or the golf course – there have been a lot of fires recently.

“Public urination shows a complete lack of respect for the area and the people who care about it.

“Residents need to be vigilant, and if they see any behaviour like this they need to contact the authorities, because it’s going to take a joint approach from everyone together to tackle this.”

A former deputy mayor, Cllr Huggett has seen such behaviour first-hand – at her last surgery at Woodford Green library she was shocked to spot young people smoking cannabis openly outside.

She has since been informed that CCTV and better lighting have been installed in the area.

“Monkhams has always been a nice place to live, but now we’re seeing more of these incidents and we want to work together to stop them as soon as possible,” she said.

“Winter is drawing in and the last thing anyone wants is to be confronted by drug takers in the dark on their way home.”

A Redbridge Council spokeswoman confirmed staff knew about the problems.

She said: “We are aware of this and are liaising with the police on this matter. Residents have also been contacted for more information about the issues to help us support any planned enforcement action.

“Housing, Redbridge Enforcement and police are working together and will be increasing patrols in the area to tackle the problem.”

A Redbridge Police spokeswoman told the Recorder they would continue to patrol the area but that no crimes had been reported to them.