Residents on a Herne Hill estate have seen a massive 75 per cent drop in crime since the closure of a crack house in the area.

The flat in Talleyrand House on the Lilford Estate used to attract a constant stream of drug users and dealers who visited at all hours of the day and night to buy heroin and crack cocaine.

Locals felt intimidated and complained to the police. After finding evidence of what was going on, Herne Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) managed to get a crack house closure order for the property.

Since December, when the order was granted, crime levels in the area have dropped by 75 per cent and the number of calls made to police about the estate have reduced.

A three month extension to the order was granted last month and an eviction hearing is set for March where Herne Hill SNT will be giving evidence alongside Lambeth Council.

Councillor Anyanwu Donatus, cabinet member for safer communities at Lambeth Council, said: “Drug dealing is a blight on our community and this latest crack house closure sends out a clear message to drug dealers that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour in any way, shape or form.

“The raid also highlights the invaluable work the police, local community and council undertake in gathering intelligence to reduce criminal activity.

“Thanks to the Herne Hill SNT, residents no longer need to feel intimidated by drug users and dealers going to and from property.”

Herne Hill’s SNT Sergeant Tom Cornish added: “This case demonstrates the effectiveness of crack house closure procedures in improving neighbours’ quality of life and reducing crime.”