A Catford house turned into an illegal hostel has been shut down by Lewisham Council and the police following complaints of harassment, alcohol related disorder and trespassing.

The Fordel Road property was operating without a licence as a seven room, multi-occupancy building until it was closed down on Tuesday following anti-social behaviour complaints from residents.

The landlord and managing agent of the property, who were held accountable, failed to address the problems and a subsequent closure notice was served by officers on October 14.

This was taken to Bromley Magistrates’ Court within two days as required by law.

After the case was adjourned, a judge granted an order to shut the premises down and officers secured the doors and windows on October 29.

The following day police attended the address with the water board and electricity company to switch off supplies to the property.

Catford South Safer Neighbourhoods Team PC Andrew Reading said: "There were so many short-term lets to people released from prison that the result was misery for the local residents with all kinds of antisocial behaviour and criminal activity.

“We worked with the council and a plan was put into action to gain a closure order with both parties collecting evidence. The closure order is in place for three months, no individual will be able to enter the property without permission of the police and any breach of this order is a criminal offence and after that time we will ensure the premises are being used correctly.”

Lewisham Cabinet Member for Community Safety Councillor Janet Daby said: “The closure order will provide local residents with immediate respite from the problems they have suffered.

“The council and police will now work with the owner of the property to ensure that the once the closure order expires there is no repetition of the antisocial behaviour and that the property is used a way that conforms with its current permissions.”

Were you affected by the hostel? Call the newsroom on 01689 885732 or email carly.read@london.newsquest.co.uk