Hounslow Council is stepping up action to address recurring fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour along Kingsley Footpath — a key pedestrian route.
Kingsley Footpath, the alleyway between Spring Grove Road and the Bus Garage, is an adopted public highway approximately 386 metres long. It is maintained by Hounslow Highways under the Council’s PFI contract, which runs until December 2037.
Despite regular cleansing, strong maintenance standards and good lighting, the footpath and adjoining private land have experienced ongoing issues with fly-tipping, littering and anti-social behaviour — including street drinking and suspected drug use. These issues are particularly concentrated in areas where private land boundaries are damaged or unsecured.
While police records show only two reported incidents in the past year, underreporting remains a concern. Greater reporting will help build the evidence base essential for further enforcement action.
Short-term action
The Council recently coordinated a multi-agency Action Day in partnership with Hounslow Highways, Safer Communities and Neighbourhood Enforcement teams which focused on:
- Targeted clean-up activity
- Visible enforcement presence
- Improving signage and installing QR codes to make reporting fly-tipping and ASB easier
A Council-funded clean-up will be delivered, with potential cost mitigation through Community Payback where appropriate.
Holding landowners accountable
The footpath is bordered by a mix of landowners, including Transport for London, a private landowner and a registered housing provider. Parts of the recurring waste problem relate to adjoining private land.
The Council will formally engage relevant landowners and, where necessary, issue Community Protection Warnings (CPWs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs), which can carry financial penalties if land is not cleared and properly secured. While the Council could intervene directly, doing so would incur full costs to the public purse.
Longer-term considerations
There are currently no robust barriers preventing waste from reappearing. Installation of new fencing could provide a more permanent solution, although this would require significant investment — potentially up to £150,000.
This action plan reflects the Council’s commitment to delivering for residents — protecting a vital community link, improving safety and ensuring Kingsley Footpath remains clean, accessible and welcoming for everyone who relies on it.
