Greenwich Council (RBG) have slammed those responsible after revealing council workers had faced verbal abuse and traffic control barriers had been vandalised in the West of the borough.

In a statement published Thursday (August 27), RBG Leader and Councillor Danny Thorpe said he was "appalled" to learn that workers and the barriers had been targeted and said action would now be taken against those responsible.

"I was appalled to learn that the temporary barriers installed to help reduce traffic in West Greenwich have been vandalised.

"Even more appalling is the verbal abuse that Royal Borough of Greenwich staff members have received while installing and restoring the barriers," he said.

"At the council we are committed to treating everyone fairly and respectfully, and I ask that you share this same commitment.

"Any abusive behaviour towards our staff will not be tolerated and the police will be called if necessary."

The barriers were installed on August 20 and on a temporary basis, mirroring a number of similar traffic control measures introduced by councils across London in an evolving response to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

RBG said it installed the barriers after receiving a number of complaints from residents about the high volumes of traffic in the area and the danger posed to pedestrians.

Traffic control schemes have been supported by a number of residents across South London recently, while others including road users have voiced opposition on the grounds of the disruption caused to drivers.

"We know that it can take time to get used to new road layouts and barriers like the ones we’ve installed in West Greenwich, but that is no reason to vandalise them or abuse our staff who are simply trying to make the area safer for everyone," Cllr Thorpe said on Thursday.

RBG said they will be taking feedback online from residents about the barriers in West Greenwich from September 3. Click here for more info and how to give your own feedback.