Newham is addressing the housing shortage

Newham Council has issued nearly 100 compulsory purchase orders on homes and plots of land and is dealing with a further 900 cases.

But it hopes the threat of action will force landlords to bring their property back into use to provide new homes.

The council said the action resulted in improving the street scene and reduced anti-social behaviour.

Councillor June Leitch, of Newham Council, said Newham had a "zero tolerance policy" on empty or neglected properties.

Sadly, other owners have ignored us and subsequently lost their properties Councillor June Leitch

She said: "By taking action, not only is the street scene in Newham improved by the removal of eyesore buildings and derelict sites, but this in turn impacts on the level of anti-social behaviour experienced by communities."

Ms Leitch said the threat of legal action was usually enough to persuade landlords to take action on their property.

"Sadly, other owners have ignored us and subsequently lost their properties," she said.

The council's warning coincides with the London Week of Action on Empty Property which ends on 9 June.