A rising tide of crime, grime, vandalism and antisocial behaviour threatens the future prosperity of a once proud Watford street, it was warned this week.

Residents and traders living in and around the Queens Road area fear loutish behaviour, violence, petty vandalism and “obvious drug dealing” could destroy their efforts to build a thriving and successful community.

They are demanding increased policing, CCTV coverage, lighting and a concerted effort by the borough council to tackle the problem of neglected and empty shops.

Helen Lynch, of Grosvenor Road, epitomises the frustration felt by many residents.

She said: “We live in a potentially lovely area, close to the town centre with really good amenities. But there is a dark side.

“People are increasingly worried about vandalism, drug dealing and antisocial behaviour. They have had enough.

"Something needs to be done before things spiral out of control."

Glynnis Abraham has lived in Gladstone Road for more 20 years. She said: “Things have got progressively worse; shops have closed down and crime has gone up.

“My teenage daughter was followed home last year - right up to the front door. Some people get worried about going outside and that is very sad.”

One trader, who did not wish to be named, added: “The phone box on Sutton Road is always being used for drug deals. I see it all the time. All the police need to do is wait around the corner and they’d catch loads of dealers.”

Other residents complained of attempted break-ins, vandalism to their cars and frequent drunken, rowdy behaviour.

For 88-year-old Queens Road resident Kenneth Tuthill, the remedy is simple: “More police. Not just driving through in their cars but on the streets in numbers. This used to be a perfectly respectable street – when it was properly policed.”

Mike Benjamin, of Grosvenor Road, added: “It’s quite simple. If an area looks a mess it will attract crime. If it looks well cared for and businesses are encouraged to move back in then things will get better."

Mrs Lynch, who has now formed an action group, added: “Everybody is behind this and we’re not blaming any one organisation for the problems. There is a real consensus that something needs to happen and that we all need to pull together.”

PC Dan Stoddart said patrols had now been stepped up in the area, which is classed as part of the town centre by Hertfordshire constabulary – meaning resources are often deployed unequally to the bars and clubs in the High Street.

He added: “If people report crimes we will deploy more resources to the area. We have now stepped up our patrols and have made a couple more arrests in recent days.”

Councillor Rabi Martins welcomed residents’ views and promised action in the near future. He said: “As a council it is difficult for us to take action on empty shops, especially in a recession. But we have got some proposals for the area, such as improved lighting and visual improvements. But, from what people are saying, these are not being implemented quickly enough and more could be done.”

Watford Borough Council’s anti-social behaviour coordinator Liam Fitzgerald, said a new “action plan” for the area has been developed.

He added: "An action plan has been developed with businesses, social landlords and residents which includes CCTV implementation and new lighting.

Any reports of anti-social behaviour are met with robust action by the police and the council.”

Anyone wishing to report anti-social behaviour can call the council on 0845 605 2222.