Chinese Ambassador complains about X Factor house (From Times Series)

Chinese Ambassador complains about X Factor house

4:29pm Thursday 29th October 2009

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THE Chinese Ambassador has complained about the noise created by hundreds of X Factor fans camped outside a house in a leafy Golders Green street.

Barnet Council has now closed West Heath Avenue to through traffic as hundreds of teenagers have descended on it during half term hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols.

The twelve acts in the ITV reality TV show, including favourites Jamie Archer and Danyl Johnson, have been holed up in the mansion since the finals began four weeks ago.

However, the crowds have upset the Chinese Ambassador, Madame Fu Ying, who lives next to the house.

The crowds of youngsters have left rubbish strewn across the street and sprayed graffiti on the hoardings put up at the front of the house, as well as the Ambassador's intercom.

Neighbours of the mansion say they are pleased about the road closure, but are divided about the effect the celebrities appearing in their street has had.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said the noise and litter created by the hundreds of baying fans was too much to bear.

The resident of 36-years added: “It's become a circus out there. We've had all sorts of publicity stunts with cars up and down and youngsters climbing onto the wall.

“The noise is really loud from early in the morning to late at night. We didn't know they were coming but it's making life a misery. This is an unacceptable situation in a quiet residential road.

“Some of these kids have been here since 6.30am and they will be here until midnight. It seems to be a big drain for our council money and police resources.”

However, Lisa Lyons said it bought a good atmosphere to the road.

“I think it has been very well managed. The road closure has made things better, but I have not seen any really bad behaviour,” she said.

“On the whole they are very nice, well behaved kids. Having this many police and security around certainly makes me feel very safe.”

Young fans Gemma Rutter, 14, from Golders Green and Francesca Berger, 13, froim Finchley, said the increased security had made their visits less fun.

Gemma said: “I live round the corner and can hear the screams from my flat. It's less fun now there are so many people here. When we first came down we were able to go to Sainsbury's with Lloyd and Lucie.

“Now you don't see them as often and there are so many people here it's a bit annoying. On Saturday we came down at 6am to see them leave for the shows.

“It's great seeing them on TV after meeting them, it makes it more special.”

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