SQUATTERS have set up new home yards from a property they have been ordered to leave.

A group moved into the former That’s Entertainment shop, in Coppergate, at the end of August, but a County Court ruling to evict them was made two weeks ago.

They have now moved into the old Ryman stationery shop, next door but one to their first home.

The new tenants have barricaded the doors with wood to stop anybody getting in, and put up a sign informing people they intend to stay in the building and the matter will have to be taken up with the High Court or County Court if they are to be removed.

A planning application to convert the old music and DVD shop into a restaurant had been sent to City of York Council prior to the group moving in, and their presence delayed progress.

York Press:

The new owners are now back on track with their plans but the squatters’ refusal to move away from Coppergate has come as a blow to Jason Hawkins, landlord at The Three Tuns pub.

He said: “You win on one hand and lose on the other.

“I am pleased the old That’s Entertainment shop is getting sorted out because there’s a planning application for it and I would much rather see businesses operating in the street.

“There is a lot of noise in the street and there are a lot of people in the building and in the street causing a nuisance.”

North Yorkshire Police are investigating after a window of the property was broken last Wednesday. A spokesperson said: “It was stated that damage had been caused to a window in the premises, and this is being investigated.”