Only two weeks ago we reported that squatters had occupied a former Chelsea rehab clinic that had once treated pop superstar Michael Jackson. This followed the earlier occupation of the nearby Cross Keys pub. Now another Chelsea commercial property is in the hands of squatters after a separate group took over the Black Bull by entering through a window in the ladies toilets.
The Fulham Road property had been unoccupied for three months when the squatters arrived but the situation was believed to be close to resolution. They say they frequently occupy empty pubs because they are easier targets than offices, but they claim to have sympathy for the leaseholder and have even shown prospective tenants around.
Squatter David Ameri said they had promised to leave after a few days but the leaseholder called the police.
“We were being reasonable, now he has cheated us,” he added. “Now we will stay until he takes us to court.”
The leaseholder claims that, far from being reasonable, the squatters have been aggressive to himself and his daughter. He also alleges that they have stolen stock and illegally re-connected the power supply.
He said; “They say they are only living in the commercial part of the property, not the flat upstairs, but we have seen them in there.
“We are not part of a big corporation. We are struggling. There was a reason the pub was closed, our business had failed.”
The latest Chelsea occupation is not an indication that squatters have simply taken a liking to life in the upmarket borough. It’s a consequence of changes to the law that have made squatting in residential property a criminal offence. As long as squatting in commercial properties remains only a civil offence they will continue to be targeted in this way.
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