A police officer who helped shut down a drug house after more than 100 complaints were made has detailed the year-long investigation.

PC James Lewis is responsible for dealing with community issues, such as drug abuse and Anti-Social Behaviour in the Latchmere ward of Battersea.

Since March of last year he has successfully served seven Closure Orders on homes within the area, all of which were causing issues for the community.

The most recent closure, approved on August 27, was Flat 44 Inkster House on the Winstanley Estate.

"Having received many complaints from aggrieved residents within Inkster House, early in 2018 I taught myself how to build a case against an address using a Section 80 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 Closure Order," PC Lewis said.

"When I was presented with the opportunity, in March 2018, I successfully closed the address using a Partial Closure Order, which stipulated that only the registered tenant could remain on the premises.

"However, within hours of serving the order we received numerous calls, complaining about the smell of drugs, noise disturbances and fighting taking place at the address.

"As this was happening, I began collecting evidence which would assist me in applying for a new order. In addition, I was applying for several other closure applications at other addresses within my area of responsibility."

Wandsworth Council Housing received between 100 and 150 complaints made from residents of Inkster House, all of them concerning the ASB generated by flat 44.

One of the most commonly reported issues was the intercom being used at all hours of the day by non-residents, in an attempt to gain access to the building.

"Similarly, residents told me about the overwhelming smell of cannabis coming from the address, the repeated criminal damage to a downstairs window on the side door in order to access the building, and the human waste found in the lift and communal areas," PC Lewis added.

"Unsurprisingly, this had a significant impact on the physical and mental health of the residents. As the partial closure order was not having the desired effect, I began drawing up the application for a full Closure Order.

"On August 14, I served the Police Closure Notice and had the property secured with a padlock, hasp and staple. In the two weeks before the case was heard at court, the hasp and staple was criminally damaged twice by unknown individuals trying to force their way into the property."

But then on August 27 the closure order was signed at Wimbledon Magistrates Court.

Magistrates were satisfied that anti-social behaviour had indeed had a detrimental effect to the community.

The order placed upon the home banned anyone from entering the it without lawful authority from the police.

As of August 28, a secure ‘Sitex’ door has been installed and the keys returned to Wandsworth Council, who have now instigated eviction proceedings.

"I am also liaising with the local health authority to find alternative, more secure accommodation for the occupier, which can provide them with greater levels of support," PC Lewis added.

"My thanks go to Wandsworth Council for their support of our actions around closing the address, and to the residents for their co-operation and patience during this investigation.

"I urge anyone who is experiencing any similar problems on Latchmere ward to get in touch with us. By working together, we can make the community safer for everyone."