Squatters move into MoD quarters

More than 100 squatters evicted from a south London housing estate have occupied Ministry of Defence quarters.

The squatters were evicted from council flats in Limerick Court, Clapham, on Wednesday after up to 300 lived there rent-free for six months.

Hours later about 120 moved into William Gardens in Putney, owned by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and previously used as married quarters.

The MoD has served them with an eviction notice.

'Dead building'

The squatters were evicted from Limerick Close by police after residents complained of loud music, rubbish, fireworks, bonfires and anti-social behaviour.

When asked where they would go next, one of the squatters told BBC London: "To another dead building that we are going to make alive and beautiful again."

The 48 flats at William Gardens had been empty since 11 August in preparation for refurbishment.

By Wednesday night around half were occupied by the squatters, who remained on site despite being served with the possession order.

On Friday a spokesman for Defence Estates, which manages MoD properties, said he hoped they would be evicted "soon".

"The presence of these squatters is now delaying comprehensive refurbishment work to bring these properties up to the standard that our troops and their families deserve," he added.

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