HOUSING chiefs are cracking down on landlords of derelict properties which are becoming sitting targets for crime and anti-social behaviour.

Lewisham Council says an estimated 100 households in the borough have to endure living next to blighted and derelict properties.

Housing bosses have announced a zero-tolerance approach to landlords of derelict properties whose houses are magnets for squatters, drug users and arsonists.

Resident Margaret Heria, of Albacore Crescent, Rushey Green, lived next to a "hell house" for nearly 10 years.

It has now been refurbished into three flats.

The large Edwardian house next door to Mrs Heria, 75, had been left empty after it was inherited by family members of the owner, who died.

The family lived abroad in Spain and could not decide whether to sell or develop the property and the house fell into disrepair.

Grandmother-of-five Mrs Heria said: "The place used to be an absolute hell hole. There were squatters there, a very unsavoury crowd, and rubbish dumped in the back garden.

"People used to take drugs there. The scourge of society were right on my doorstep. The police were always round."

The council threatened the owners with a compulsory purchase order and they then sold the house to a private landlord.

Lewisham fire commander Dave Smith said: "This property was a real problem for the fire service.

"Arsonists targeted the house on numerous occasions."

The council has new powers it can use against private landlords including empty dwelling management orders allowing derelict properties to be taken over by the council and brought back into use.

In Lewisham, 18 properties have been identified for these orders since the Housing Act 2004 came into force this April.

A further six properties are being pursued through compulsory purchase orders.

The process can take up to three years and costs the council £60,000 per property.

Cabinet member for customer services Councillor Susan Wise said: "This property has really blighted the street and led to a host of problems for the police and fire brigade."

The house in Albacore Crescent was given a £55,000 grant from the council, which gave it nomination rights for five years.

This allows the council to use part of the property to house people on its waiting list.