LET'S try to be positive. The squatters who have taken over the Bonding Warehouse in York are right to claim they are highlighting the waste of a fine building.

Anyone who has walked past the abandoned pub off Skeldergate will have wondered about the decline of such a landmark building. This Grade II-listed former warehouse has been empty since the floods of 2000.

It is a shame - perhaps, indeed, a disgrace - that such a building should be left only to the pigeons. Stranger still, a tenant is still paying for the lease on this empty building.

The squatters, who proclaim themselves to be members of the York Peace Collective, have taken such action before. In April 2003, they occupied the White Swan Hotel in Piccadilly, highlighting the neglect of a city-centre property which has been empty for years. They also attempted to save Burton Croft in Burton Stone Lane, which was once home to JB Morrell and is now due to be demolished.

So far, so worthwhile. Yes, too many buildings are left empty for too long in York. Such spaces need to be brought back into use. But it is highly questionable whether the squatters help matters.

For a start, who are these people and where exactly do they get their money from? It is reasonable to ask if they are being paid benefits of any kind. If so, should we really be supporting squatters who take over privately-owned properties and use them for public raves? And how does holding noisy, all-night parties further the debate about empty buildings?

There is also a question of safety. The Bonding Warehouse has been empty for four years so may well not be safe. Also, what about people who attend the raves - aren't they putting themselves at risk?

Sadly, the squatters raise more questions than answers.

Updated: 11:34 Monday, August 16, 2004