SQUATTERS have forced their way into a landmark York building - to urge council chiefs to give it over for community use.

A group of University of York students, calling themselves the Bonding Warehouse Collective, broke into the Grade II Listed former pub, off Skeldergate, through a window.

They have changed the locks and are claiming "squatters' rights" which prevents the authorities evicting them unless they acquire a special court order.

But the ten-strong group, which have staged arts and community events in the building this week and have slept on sleeping bags, has vowed to move out peacefully at the weekend.

"We are not doing anything illegal or dangerous," said a squatter, identifying himself only as a 22-year-old University of York student called Chris.

"Legally they (the authorities) don't have the right to come in. We are not going to trash the place.

"This is a space which should be used by the community. We are worried about it being turned into an expensive hotel or flats."

Another student squatter, Rich, 23, said: "It's very, very cold, but we want to show that there is the potential to put on community events here. Not everything has to be about money, money, money."

A classical concert was performed in the squat last night and local DJs had been booked to play tonight.

City of York Council, which owns the building, has vowed to evict the group if they are not out by Monday and revealed that plans to sell it were "progressing".

In August 2004, 12 members of the York Peace Collective squatted in the building, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "We are aware that there are currently squatters in the building, but they have been extremely co-operative and assured us that they will be moving on before Monday.

"If, however, they have not left by then, the council will have no alternative but to implement proceedings to remove them.

"There is a good deal of interest in the building from prospective buyers and plans to sell it are progressing."

A University of York spokesman said: "The university recognises the right of anyone to protest, as long as they remain within the law. We shall monitor the situation closely."

A spokesman for York Police said they had been made aware of the squatters.

"We have had a report of them being there," he said.

"But until such a time that a court order is made by the owners to remove them no action will be taken. We would go along as a precaution to prevent a breach of the peace."