Councillors are demanding action over a viaduct which they say is a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

Roding councillors Felicity Banks and Gwyneth Deakins are calling on Redbridge council to clean up under the arches of the viaduct in Scoter Close, Woodford Green.

And they have asked whether metal crash barriers which divide parking bays can be removed or replaced because they say the current ones are being used as benches.

Cllr Banks said: “There are a lot of cans and bottles strewn about down there so we have asked the council to come and clear up.

“We have been contacted by people who are concerned about people congregating under the arches and causing disturbances.

“We need to find out if the barriers which are there are in place for a reason, because at the moment they do encourage people to sit around down there.”

Figures on the Police UK website reveal that there have been 11 incidences of ASB and one case of criminal damage and arson in the viaduct area during the last 10 months

Cllr Deakins said: “I have been in touch with the local police Safer Neighbourhood Team and they are aware the area is a hotspot.

“They are in agreement that the barriers are being used as benches and that replacing them would help things.

“Ideally you would replace the bays with enclosed garages, but I don’t think financially that would be an option.”

Cllr Banks added that she had also asked the council to look at improved street lighting in the area.

And she said she would also be raising the issue of the Broadmead Road underpass, which links Scoter Close and Pintail Road.

She said: “It would be good if we could make it a bit nicer down there.

“Only one side of the underpass is tiled at the moment and it does look bad.”