RESIDENTS have signed a petition to claim their block of flats back from drug addicts and alcoholics.

More than 50 tenants living in Sowerby Close, Eltham, want Greenwich Council to revert to an unwritten policy of keeping their properties for those in their 50s and over.

Many remember the close as a haven of peace and quiet but residents say things have deteriorated over the past decade.

The area has been blighted by violent anti-social behaviour, which has been making people's lives a misery.

Residents are now calling on the council to move noisy tenants into more suitable accommodation.

Incidents have ranged from drug dealing to urinating and defecating in the lifts of the block of flats.

Terry Liddle, 57, who has lived at Sowerby Close for 20 years, is hopeful the petition will prompt the council into action.

Mr Liddle, who has arthritis and suffered a heart attack eight years ago, said: "We want the council to revert to its original position and keep the flats for people of my age and over.

"People who have got problems with drugs should be moved into suitable accommodation where they have got support 24/7."

He added: "I hope the petition will be effective and the council will take appropriate action.

"It has a duty of care to deliver services if tenants pay rent.

"It is in breach of its duty of care and of its contract to us."

The council is aware of the increase in anti-social behaviour in the block and has set up monthly meetings with safer neighbourhood teams and council officers who tackle substance misuse, anti-social behaviour and noisy neighbours.

A council spokesperson said: "We are taking this very seriously.

"We would like to emphasise our determination to putting a stop to the anti-social behaviour in the block for the benefit of the majority of residents who are decent and law-abiding."

He added: "The block has never been designated for over-50s.

"A petition has been presented to the council and will shortly be considered by the cabinet."

The council has already started eviction proceedings against one tenant in the block and is considering taking out an injunction on a regular visitor.

Council officers and police have also carried out a drugs raid after concerns were raised by residents. Surveillance is ongoing at the block.

The council has also issued a noise abatement order against one resident.