Residents at Hackney s hostel from hell are celebrating after the council improved their living conditions...

Residents at Hackney's "hostel from hell" are celebrating after the council improved their living conditions.

Following a demonstration at the town hall in Mare Street, Hackney, and meetings with councillors, Alexandra Court tenants say that their campaign has convinced the council to tackle their concerns.

A security gate and intercom system have been installed to prevent children encountering drug users on the stairwells.

Residents at the block in Belgrade Road, Stoke Newington, have also witnessed prostitutes and clients.

Central heating has been upgraded in the temporary accommodation, boilers have been replaced and the council has pledges to jet wash and paint the communal areas.

Despite the improvements, however, resident Vicky Laker fired a warning shot at the council.

"If the improvements are not maintained, we will go back on the street for further public actions as our children deserve better living conditions," she said.

A Hackney Council spokesman said the extra security arrangements it had put in place on the advice of the safer neighbourhood team should ensure the continued safety of Alexandra Court residents.