Heaton ward councillor Denis O'Flynn has thrown his weight behind angry residents' blitz on abandoned cars on the streets of Harold Hill.

The issue flared up after two cars were set alight last weekend, in Coltsfoot Path and Harebell Way, both off of Briar Road.

Alfred Emmins, of Coltsfoot Path, said he and neighbours have been asking Havering Council to remove three cars dumped in their street for months.

"No-one knows who they belong to,'' he said.

''We have asked the council and the police to remove them for fear that one day yobs would set fire to them.''

These were confirmed at 12.05am on Friday, May 22.

''We were awakened by two sharp explosions and looked out of the window to see one car alight and billowing black smoke,'' he added.

Now Cllr O'Flynn has pledged to intervene: "I think the residents are right.

"I have warned in the council chamber that such a thing might occur.

"What I dread most of all is that a child will remove a petrol cap and set fire to a car.

''The consequences of that just doesn't bear thinking about.

"I have toured the area with two council officers and we have had the two burned out cars taken away.

"Council officers will now draw up plans to limit access to the roads in the area to non-residents, in order to stop people dumping their cars there. I want this done as soon as possible."

He added: "We will make every effort to clear these abandoned cars, particularly as in a few weeks we will have children with a lot of time to spare during the summer holidays, and then we could have a nightmare on our hands.

''I would ask anybody who comes across any abandoned cars in Harold Hill to notify either Havering Council or myself straight away."

Cllr O'Flynn can be contacted on 01708 734102.

A spokesman for Havering Council said: "We will inspect these cars and issue seven day notices before this weekend if possible.

''If the cars are not claimed by their owners they will be removed."

Havering Council has a free removal service for old cars they wish to dispose of. Call 01708 772796 for details.

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