Alperton residents demand action as weekly bike meets disrupt Beresford Avenue

Residents of Alperton’s Grand Union housing development say weekly motorbike gatherings on Beresford Avenue have turned the street into a predictable source of disruption. Every Friday evening, bikers congregate, revving engines, performing dangerous manoeuvres and leaving litter, according to complaints filed with Brent Council and the police.

The Metropolitan Police’s Safer Neighbourhood Team has described the issue as “well known” and confirmed it is under “ongoing monitoring, patrol activity and enforcement”. However, emails seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service show officers admit the scale of the problem exceeds local policing resources. Residents say visible enforcement remains rare.

Council powers limited by cloned plates

Brent Council said its Nuisance Vehicle Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) provides powers to tackle vehicle-related antisocial behaviour. A council spokesperson told MyLondon that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have identified vehicles using false or cloned number plates, complicating efforts to hold individuals accountable.

The council added that the issue is now being addressed through the Brent Joint Action Group (BJAG), which includes police, council officers and other agencies. The group is exploring additional measures, including High Court injunctions, which other councils have used to disrupt organised vehicle meets. No timeline for action has been given.

Councillor calls for coordinated response

Alperton ward councillor Anton Georgiou said residents “shouldn’t have to keep complaining” before authorities act. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the council, police and other agencies must “stop working in silos” and deliver a “coordinated approach, proper enforcement, and a clear message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated”.

Georgiou added that the problem has worsened as more people move into the area. “Residents should be able to enjoy their homes without having to put up with this sort of nuisance,” he said. “With more people moving in, it is even more important that we make sure residents feel safe and that antisocial behaviour is dealt with properly.”

Businesses and taxpayers bear costs

Jamie, a Grand Union resident, said the disruption extends beyond residents. Local businesses, including the Ace Cafe on the corner of Beresford Avenue, have been forced to close early due to the gatherings. Taxpayers also foot the bill for repeated clean-up operations and the wider consequences of unmanaged antisocial behaviour, he added.

Jamie told MyLondon: “The issue affects not only residents but also local businesses, visitors, road users and taxpayers who ultimately bear the cost of repeated clean-up operations. The authorities now recognise the scale of the problem. Residents want to see that recognition translated into meaningful action.”

What happens next

The Brent Joint Action Group is reviewing the issue, but no formal decisions have been announced. Residents can report incidents to Brent Council’s antisocial behaviour team or the Metropolitan Police’s non-emergency line. The council has not confirmed whether it will pursue High Court injunctions or other legal measures.