FED-UP residents who went to war on underage drinkers say they are winning their battle.

Members of the Mottingham Residents' Association feared their village was becoming a haven for teenage boozers, terming it the "drink capital of south London".

But now Mottingham is a more sober place, thanks to the association's efforts in getting the council and the police to tackle the problem.

In the past two years residents have successfully urged police to increase patrols in Mottingham Village.

They have also foiled three premises' attempts to get a late-night alcohol licence.

Association chairman John Perkins said: "The village became a magnet for teenage drinkers.

"I used to call it the drink capital of south London.

"There are 10 or 11 licensed outlets in the space of 100 yards.

"The message was if you're a young lad and you want to get a bottle of booze, come to Mottingham'."

Mr Perkins says residents' efforts are starting to pay off.

He added: "We have put in a big effort with the police and the council to sort this out.

"We are not killjoys. We don't mind people having a drink but there has to be a limit."

Mottingham and Chislehurst North councillor Roger Charsley said: "This has been an excellent partnership between the police, councillors and residents.

"Good work has been done but it is still an issue.

"We still have a lot of work to do."

Since the Licensing Act came into force in November, The Porcupine pub, The Prince of Wales pub and the BP service station all in Mottingham Road have failed to secure later licences.

All three either lost their hearings lodged with licensing authority Bromley Council or backed down after pressure from residents.

A council spokesman said: "This is an illustration of why people should object if they see an application they are not happy with.

"Residents' views are absolutely crucial.

"If they don't object, legally we have no alternative but to grant a licence."