Eviction notices have been served on seven homes on an estate where neighbours have been plagued by drugs, drink, noise and abuse.

Police escorted housing officers as they toured a small enclave in Hollingdean, Brighton, to serve council tenants with orders to quit.

It was the biggest action against antisocial tenants in the city so far and police and the city council have vowed to launch more operations.

Each householder served yesterday will have to fight in court to stay in their homes.

If they lose, Brighton and Hove City Council has no obligation to rehouse them.

Ward councillor Jeane Lepper said: "They have forfeited their right to be decently housed. Where they move to is their problem.

"I am telephoned every day by people desperate for homes and it is just not fair on them or on the neighbours of these anti-social people."

Police raided one flat and found scores of stolen credit cards and drug needles.

One woman was arrested and her flat was boarded up.

Inspector Rob Carden, north Brighton police commander, said yesterday's action had shut down a crack cocaine operation which involved women hiding drugs inside their bodies.

One neighbour said: "Most people here are good and decent but the area is being spoiled by a minority."

In separate raids earlier, 13 people were arrested in the city centre in a purge on drug houses and Mr Carden warned further action would follow.

Coun Lepper said anti-social behaviour would no longer be tolerated among council tenants.

She said: "Anyone involved in crime, including drugs, alcohol abuse, car crime, harassment and vandalism, can expect the police and council to take action which could ultimately lead to the loss of their homes.

"This is the start of a focused campaign by the police and council so law-abiding citizens can go about their daily business without fear."

Coun Lepper said grant money and the efforts of residents had produced a new community atmosphere in Hollingdean and she was determined a small minority would not spoil their efforts.

She said: "We have a lot of children and schools in the area and this behaviour is not acceptable. I am delighted with the action taken."

She said there were similar stories of anti-social behaviour elsewhere in the city.

Housing officials taking part in the operation said some neighbours were "petrified" but more were fighting back against the harassment.

Community beat officer Sergeant Stephen French said: "Police have powers under the Protection from Harassment Act which we will not hesitate to use when necessary."