CCTV cameras have been installed in a cul-de-sac after complaints it is being used for drug dealing and as a dogging site.

The cameras, which are linked to the Ilford CCTV control centre and can capture number-plates of suspicious cars, were erected yesterday (July 6) by Redbridge council in Seagry Road, Wanstead.

The cul-de-sac, which is only one street along from March's shooting, has had two fly-tips in the last four months.

Redbridge council has around 20 cameras in use in the borough and this one will stay in place for at least three weeks depending on the amount of criminal activity it picks up.

Residents of Seagry Road have for around a year complained of groups of people parking at the end of the road to deal and take drugs, and also of couples engaging in sexual activity in their vehicles. 

Carl Marsh, 54, said: “People park at the end of the road in the middle of the night with blacked-out windows, it looks like they are dealing drugs.

“It is horrible, some of us have gone outside to confront them but they speed off in their cars and shout abuse.

“Hopefully the cameras will do their job and catch them.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The CCTV cameras were installed at the end of Seagry Road in Wanstead yesterday.

Wanstead PCSO Allan Winston said he had asked Redbridge council to install the cameras after the regular complaints he had received from residents.

The cameras will be able to cross-reference number-plates with the police database to help find wanted criminals.

He said: “This street was flagged up for anti-social behaviour and is one of the areas we patrol regularly.

“Complaints have ranged from courting couples to people taking legal highs and cannabis, then leaving their rubbish which is very unpleasant.

“We would ideally like cameras for other roads in Wanstead but it is rare we get cameras installed so it is an achievement.

“I hope this will give residents some reassurance.”

Conservative councillor Michelle Dunn, of the Wanstead ward, said she pushed Redbridge council for the installation of the camera after residents contacted her about the issues.

She said: “We have been campaigning for this for over a year so we are delighted we have been successful.

“Hopefully this camera will pick up the problems and also act as a deterrent for anti-social behaviour.”