A "PUTRID" property in Kingsbury has been shut down because it is "hazardous to health".

The home in Valley Drive has been closed for three months by the council after environmental health officers discovered it was a home to 50 feral cats.

The property owners Christopher and Elizabeth Blore let their home become overrun by the animals to such an extent that is was "deemed to pose a serious health risk to the public".

Brent Police and the council had to apply for a closure order, which was granted on May 24.

The 'nuisance premises' will stay shut until August 23.

A council spokesman said: "Neighbours had complained about the revolting smell and distressing build up of cat faeces in their gardens and the council's public health team, who inspected the property on several occasions, found it was full of rotting rubbish and cat faecal matter.

"During the clear up, enforcement officers also discovered the decomposed remains of a dead cat."

The couple were barred from entering their home while it was being cleared up, and they have both been given antisocial behaviour orders as well as being prohibited from keeping or feeding any cats on their property.

The spokesman, who described the house as "putrid" added: "Since 2010 council environmental officers had taken a number of steps to support the tenants in clearing the property, however Mr and Mrs Blore had continued to ignore notices and advice about dealing with the build up of rubbish and the welfare of the cats."

Brent's lead member for crime prevention and public safety, Cllr. Lincoln Beswick MBE, said: "Everyone has the right to the peaceful enjoyment of their home, whether it is privately or socially owned. The Blore's family way of life infringed on their neighbour's rights, health and wellbeing, so partners worked together to enforce a Nuisance Premises Closure and ASBO.

"There had been many attempts to engage with Mr and Miss Blore since 2010... for the benefit of the neighbours that had to endure this nuisance, enforcement had to be used as a last resort. We will endeavour to support the Blores."

Sergeant Liam Tierney from the Fryent Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: "It was only when taking statements from the neighbours that we realised what a devastating effect the Blore's where having on their everyday lives. Some residents were unable to use bedrooms because of the stench. I could appreciate at first hand the smell and whilst serving the order I have never come across a property so hazardous to health. I hope this will allow the neighbours to enjoy their properties."