REPORTS of drug use in derelict flats in Yiewsley have caused residents and shop owners to confront the police about the problems.

Traders in High Street say they have seen young people coming in and out of the flats above the disused shop, Gordon's, and they believe illegal substances are being dealt or used in there.

On Saturday, September 1, Gay Brown, co-ordinator of the Yiewsley Community Involvement Group, approached the police, who were holding a street briefing in the car park of Tesco in Fairfield Street.

Mrs Brown explained that she had asked nearby shop owners if they have seen anything strange going on.

She said nearly all of them had and are concerned about youngsters hanging around in the area.

She went along to meet officers to make them aware of the problems and to tell them that many local people would benefit from their help.

She said: "I have always said that the flats are being used for drugs and the people who work in the town don't want this happening on their doorstep.

"When we call 999, we're not getting a quick enough response, so I thought the best thing to do would be to approach the local safer neighbourhood team myself.

"In the past I have suggested CCTV should be installed so the flats can be monitored. I think it could provide a solution to the problems."

Balwant Dade, 78, of Dades Superstore, which is next to Gordon's, said the area has deteriorated since he opened up his shop 25 years ago and it needs to be brought back to life.

He said: "There are two major problems in the area. One is the kids who hang around the empty flats above Gordon's and the other is the issue of people using the back of the shop to dump their rubbish.

"Me and the other shop owners in High Street believe the flats are being used for drug taking."

Mr Dade said he has been told by the police that they know about people going into the flats and they are doing something about it.

He added: "I just think something needs to be done sooner rather than later and If the mess stays there it could attract rats which that is dangerous for everyone in the area.

"Yiewsley is a nice place for shopping and we don't want it to have a bad profile but there are problems here that need to be addressed."

Inspector Andrew Jones, of Hillingdon Police, said: "The local safer neighbourhood team are aware of some crime problems in the area and continue to pro-actively police the locality.

"We recently ran a crime prevention roadshow in the ward in order to offer advice to local residents and to engage them in communication regarding the issues they are facing.

"There is no overt evidence of drug dealing in this area that we are aware of. If residents or business managers have any concerns or crime issues they want to discuss with officers they can call the team on 0208 721 2713 so these matters can be investigated."