Zoe Kemp with Liberal Democrat councillor Janet Grauberg in West Hampstead

A FOOTPATH lined with used condoms, drug needles and human excrement has been branded a “no-go zone” by residents who this week demanded police and council step in to make it safe.

The scene in Billy Fury Way might seem more familiar to the drug hotspots that have traditionally existed in Camden Town and King’s Cross over the years.

But locals in West Hampstead say they are now being plagued by dealers brazenly operating in broad daylight and users suffering from addiction.

It has left them too scared to use the route, close to a nursery, a home for vulnerable people and a council estate linking the area with the Finchley Road.

Zoe Kemp, who lives nearby, said: “It should connect us to West Hampstead. Instead, it cuts us off.”

Billy Fury recorded a string of hits at recording studios close to the alleyway named after him – but some fans do not think it is an appropriate tribute to the singer

The neighbourhood is known as one of London’s most desirable with £1.5million properties streets away and a place a host of famous faces call home.

Billy Fury Way had a troubled history with anti-social behaviour but was part of a concerted effort to clean up the area 10 years ago.

A mural of the singer was unveiled at the West Hampstead end, only for it to be repeatedly defaced and eventually withdrawn completely.

Some fans of the Halfway To Paradise chart topper wondered why he had ever been honoured with an alleyway.

New Liberal Democrat councillor Janet Grauberg met with residents on Monday – a gathering which witnessed a man suffer a suspected overdose and be taken away in an ambulance.

She said: “I don’t think there should be public footpaths that are no-go areas for women. This is a twin problem. We need CCTV, but we also need more support. Preventive action to design out crime is a council responsibility too.”

Cllr Grauberg had warned about open drug dealing during her recent by-election campaign.

She also tried to raise safety on Billy Fury Way at last Thursday’s full council meeting but didn’t get an answer to her question because Labour community safety chief Councillor Pat Callaghan was ill and nobody was ready to deputise for her in the council chamber.

The mess lining Billy Fury Way in West Hampstead

Residents of the Lithos Road estate are among those calling for action, and say some have suffered break-ins and fires are often lit on the footpath.

Ms Kemp, who has lived on the estate for 20 years, said: “I’m constantly saying to young women, don’t go this way. I see people every day smoking crack. I sleep with a hammer now.”

Another concerned neighbour, Nathalie – residents did not want their full name in print – said families regularly face harassment and reported cases of “cuckooing”, where criminals are thought to have taken over the homes of vulnerable tenants.

Another woman at the meeting, Sharon, said she had confronted intruders and found drug paraphernalia in her building.

Poor lighting. fly-tipping and heavy tree cover all make matters worse, and Cllr Grauberg said she asked Network Rail to cut back the trees in May and was told it would be done in 12 weeks, but “nothing has happened”.

“They council tell us there’s no money for CCTV,” Ms Kemp said.

A mural of Billy Fury used to feature at the start of the footpath

Patrols by the local Safer Neighbourhood Team are limited to weekday office hours, leaving evenings and weekends uncovered.

A council spokesperson said: “We are working with the police to closely monitor anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in this area.

“This includes regular community safety patrols and installing a new Rapid Deployable CCTV camera on Billy Fury Way which is continuously monitored and has assisted with identifying offenders in a number of investigations so far.

“Our enforcement officers also monitor the area for fly-tipping and issue fixed penalty notices to offenders.

They added: “If residents have any concerns about anti-social or unsafe behaviour, please report this to us online or by calling 020 7974 4444. In an emergency call 999.”

Police were offered the chance to provide general reassurance to residents but did not give a response to New Journal queries.