There has been widespread relief that Wandsworth Council has decided not to evict the family of Clapham Junction looter, Daniel Sartain-Clarke.

The council issued a statement this morning explaining that following a meeting with his mother Maite de la Calva yesterday it has agreed not to evict the family, subject to receiving written assurances that there will be no further breaches of her tenancy agreement.

A spokesman said: "We conducted a formal interview with this tenant following her son's conviction for burglary, which was committed during August's serious and violent disturbances in Clapham Junction.

"The tenant, who was accompanied by a representive from Liberty, gave us a number of specific assurances that have allayed our concerns about any repeat of this criminal behaviour. She has also given us concrete promises that there will be no further breaches of her tenancy agreement.

"We have been promised that we will receive these assurances in writing. Once these are received we will consider this matter formally closed."

Campaign group Wandsworth against Cuts welcomed the council's decision but condemned it for contemplating the action at all which it claimed was motivated by "their desire to gain political popularity by being tough on rioters and is against any sense of justice".

It said yesterday's decision set a precedent for other councils considering punishing innocent council tenants.

A spokesman said: "Victory was helped by her many supporters on her Doddington estate in Battersea, by MPs and campaigners from Wandsworth Against Cuts, by Defend Council Housing and by Liberty, as well as the support of Battersea & Wandsworth TUC.

"Maite's victory is a credit to her own courage and honesty, faced with a highly vindictive attack.

"Wandsworth Council, which has £105 million in reserves, and which has been so keen to evict tenants has also threatened to close adventure playgrounds, children’s breakfast clubs, local libraries and the Doddington Children’s Activity Centre. They are now cutting 16 youth worker posts, plus seven more in 2013.

"The threats continue. Hence the fight against Wandsworth Council cuts goes on."