A GROUP of squatters occupying Camden Council's former office buildings in West Hampstead have been ordered to leave immediately by a judge.

Following a hearing at the Central London County Court, the council was granted a possession order by Mr Justice Lightman for 156 West End Lane, which has been occupied by a group of around 15 since November 7.

Camden Mothership say they expect bailiffs to arrive this afternoon to remove them from the premises and were this afternoon seeking to appeal the ruling.

Mr Justice Lightman refused to adjourn proceedings to allow the group to secure legal representation.

The group was ordered to pay court costs, but as a “gesture of goodwill” the council will be paying for its legal fees.

Speaking following the hearing, Phoenix, who represented the group in court, said it was a “travesty” that the judge did not read the eight pages of evidence submitted by the group.

Green councillor Sian Berry, who was at the hearing to support Camden Mothership, said: “I think the council were wrong to take this to court in the first place. I think the process was really flawed, the fact the judge didn't read through all the submitted evidence and didn't give them time to get proper legal representation.

“I really hope the council doesn't just immediately evict them. There is a building there lying empty. The council should be acting in the interests of the community and not act as if they have been personally offended.” 

Finance chief Councillor Theo Blackwell said afterwards: "We are disappointed that we have had to take legal action and would have preferred to reach an amicable agreement where the squatters left voluntarily, but we are pleased that the judge agreed with us. If these professional squatters were as genuinely interested in serving the community as they claim – they would have attempted to discuss the use of the building not illegally break into our building, waste taxpayers money and negotiate through the media. Instead of this circus, what the people of Camden are crying out for at a time of huge government cuts is more homes and money to invest in services we already have in the area."

He added: "We will now give the squatters their final chance to do the right thing and hope that they will return the premises to Camden immediately to prevent further action and cost."