Several south London residents say concerns in the area along Nixon Avenue existed decades before a weekend shooting that left a man in serious condition.

London police are investigating after a man was shot at a home along the south end street near Ferndale Avenue. Police responded to the call on Saturday at about 4:30 a.m.

Gord Ritchie, who lives two houses down from the home in question, said the quiet neighbourhood quickly changed when he observed noisy parities in the area that began three decades ago.

"The music used to shake the pictures off our wall and wake our kids up," said Ritchie, about the home in question.

Gord Ritchie, 59, lives two houses down from the area where police say a man was shot Saturday morning. (Hala Ghonaim/CBC)

"For the Saturday night parties, on Sunday morning, neighbours go around picking all the garbage up off their lawns such as cans, plastic bottles and chicken bones."

The 59-year-old truck driver heard four gun shots early in the morning as he was coming off his work shift. He was more concerned for his wife, who was leaving for work in the morning.

"You used to be able to walk down [the street] with your kids. Your kids could play in the front yard. There were no complaints. We used to have a great neighbourhood. We used to cut our grass together on Saturday afternoons and have a beer after," said Ritchie.

"Now, people have sheltered themselves. It's not the same neighbourhood."

London police confirmed to CBC News that officers had been called to the residence in question a handful of times in the past.

Police confirmed that a gathering had been underway at the house on Saturday at the time of the shooting – when a number of people were seen running from the scene. No arrests have been made at this time.

London police are probing a home along Nixon Avenue after police say a man was shot inside the home Saturday morning. (Hala Ghonaim/CBC)

The next day

Police said a person took the victim to hospital – where he underwent surgery from gunshot wounds and remains in serious condition.

The area around the house was still taped off Sunday as investigators were seen canvassing the home. A forensics van remained parked at the scene until about 1 p.m.

Blood stain is visible on the sidewalk along Nixon Avenue in south London. (Bernard Graham) Ferndale Avenue resident Barry, who did not want to disclose his last name for safety reasons, said he wasn't surprised when he heard gun shots in the early hours of the morning.

"I saw the writing on the wall … The neighbourhood has changed as far as security goes. I can't leave the cars open on the drive way. I never made a habit of leaving them open but if I do now, someone will toss through the car," he said.

"The city is getting bigger. Things are changing."'

Barry said he hopes police will investigate the incident, taking in to account neighbourhood concerns.

The incident occurred in a family-focused area, with several elementary schools within walking distance including, Cleardale, Ashley Oaks and White Oaks public schools.