A zero-tolerence approach on cannabis is working, police have said.

Police introduced the crackdown around the Winstanley estate in Battersea last month in response to residents' complaints about drugs, gangs and antisocial behaviour.

New measures mean anyone caught with cannabis in the area between Falcon Road, York Road, Grant Road and Plough Road will be arrested or given a caution.

Previously people found to be in possession of small amounts of cannabis were only given a warning.

A police spokesman said: "There has been a reduction in crime on the estate and surrounding area. We haven't got the figures yet but there has been an improvement.

"And drug crime is linked to other crimes, like robbery and vehicle theft. If you have a reduction in drug crime you have a reduction in other crimes."

The spokesman added the policy had also led to a reduction in antisocial behaviour.

The three-month pilot caused controversy when it was introduced, with some critics labelling it a complete u-turn on the so-called softly-softly laws introduced in neighbouring Lambeth.

Cannabis was downgraded to a class C drug in 2004, but the Government is currently reviewing its classification after evidence the drug is closely linked with mental health problems.

Stronger strains of cannabis - known as skunk - have also flooded the market, causing concerns that young people, in particular, will be addicted.

The police spokesman said results from the pilot would be released next month. He said there were discussions about continuing the policy and rolling out the scheme to other areas, though he could not say where those areas might be.

The spokesman said: "We are in discussions about what will happen after the pilot is finished and continuing the scheme is an option."

With its close proximity to Clapham Junction and maze-like layout the estate has been a safe haven for dealers for many years.

The spokesman said there were still problems but "things were improving".