Squatters target property near church in St Mark's
SQUATTERS have targeted two empty properties opposite a Cheltenham church.
They moved into numbers 32 and 34 in Church Road, near St Mark's Church, and put signs on the doors stating that they would not be forced out without a fight.
However, the owner of the building, developer New Dawn Homes, cut off the electricity, gas and water in a bid to force the squatters out.
Angela Hughes, New Dawn Homes director, said she believed they had now left the property, which was once a police station but has been vacant for a number of years.
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"We got a call from a resident to say there was activity in the property so we have disconnected all the utilities," she said.
"We have not had any reports of activity there since. As far as we are aware, they have gone. We are in contact with the nearby residents and we will keep a close eye on it to make sure nobody returns."
Cheltenham Borough Council gave New Dawn Homes permission last year to demolish the building and create seven houses on the site, but work has not yet begun.
From April this year, it will be a criminal offence to squat in a residential building, however the Church Road properties are currently commercial premises.
The signs the squatters placed on the doors said: "We live in this property, it is our home and we intend to stay here. If you want to get us out you will have to take out a summons for possession in the county court or in the High Court."
New Dawn Homes could face a long legal wrangle if the squatters are inside the property when they want to demolish the building.
Lloyd Anthony, from Cheltenham's BPE Solicitors LLP, said: "Once squatters have moved in, an application should be made to the court as soon as possible to legally remove the squatters from the premises.
"The cost of proceedings, inconvenience and inevitable damage will unfortunately be incurred by the landowner. When it comes to squatters, prevention is most definitely preferred to cure."
3 Comments
by Geoffrey37
Thursday, February 28 2013, 4:33PM
“tell me about it brad i saw it as well the licence plate reads squat no 1 as if there proud of dodging the system its bloody disgusting”
by Brad75
Thursday, February 21 2013, 10:26PM
“Makes me sick. Just driven by this property and seen two squatters getting out of a new Mercedes sports car with personalized plates. Unbelievable! Hope they are made to pay council taxes.”
by Matt1006
Wednesday, February 20 2013, 5:47PM
“Whilst the new laws on squatting in residential properties are a good thing, it was (in my opinion) a very bad error to not cover ALL buildings within the new laws. Instances of squatting in commercial properties such as these would also then be illegal.
Maybe New Dawn Homes would be best advised to clear the existing buildings as they have planning permission for redevelopment. Or if they aren't planning to actually commence their scheme any time soon, look to sell the site to another developer who is willing to commence ASAP.”