http://breakingnews.ie/world/mhsnojqlsnkf/
Squatters take over London mansions
22/01/2009 - 10:31:02
Squatters are holed up in two £15m (€16m) mansions on one of London’s most exclusive roads, it was reported today.
According to The Sun, around 20 “hippies” have set up home in the seven-storey properties in London’s Park Lane, famous for its super-rich residents, luxury car dealers and hotels.
The group told the paper they spent their time strumming guitars, creating artworks and taking their dogs for walks in Hyde Park opposite.
One of the squatters, called Martin, said: “The view at Sunset over Hyde Park is just magic – especially from the penthouse. I really love it here.”
Another, 21-year-old Meg, added: “It’s much better when squatters move into a rich person’s home like this, as the owner can obviously afford to have us here.”
The squatters claim the properties – thought to be owned by the Duke of Westminster – have stood empty for about two years.
Outside the mansions, 20-year-old Daniel Moreira said today: “It feels pretty good. It’s the dream of everyone in London to live for a little bit in Park Lane.”
In response to being dubbed “scroungers”, the Portuguese student said: “I think it’s fair. We are invading a house. But if people come and see what we’ve got to give them – lots of art, lots of good energies – I think they will change their minds.”
Mr Moreira, who is studying performing arts at Westminster College and works as a waiter at a local cafe, said he was saving the money he would be spending on rent to fund a year in Mozambique working with disabled children.
He said the squatters, most of whom are artists, spend their evenings “jamming”, singing songs and strumming guitars.
Moreira said the two squats, which he claimed housed between 30 and 40 people, were different from others he had lived in previously.
“There are no junkies or crack-heads in there. Just nice people,” he said.
Squatting is not illegal if entry is not forced and no criminal damage is caused to the premises.
Sham Mas, who works as a banker in the building neighbouring the squats, said: “I think it’s hilarious that’s there no law to stop them. It’s weird.
“We hear the dogs sometimes, we haven’t had any trouble yet but we’re locking our doors, so it’s okay.”</SPAN>
The good Duke is worth over a Billion pounds... it's chump change to him.So you buy at £15m house ....and leave it empty for a couple of years... thats even more bizarre.
This always happens to me
Well when did you plan to tell us about this fine new property you bought with our money?
arrrrrgggghhhhh
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