THE York squatters evicted from the Gimcrack have continued their tour of the city's empty buildings - by occupying a former residential home.

The group moved into the Burton Croft building, in Burton Stone Lane, yesterday after being evicted from the Gimcrack Hotel.

They had spent more than six weeks at the former pub in Fulford Road before bailiffs moved into the property.

But the squatters had already secured new premises, after they revealed that a "scouting party" had identified the former residential care centre as their new home.

Squatter Dennis Price said the group, which comprised some members of the original squat at the White Swan Hotel, was continuing its protest against the "scandalous waste" of buildings lying empty and disused in York.

He said: "We have already been contacted by the building's security and the owners are aware that we are in.

"We are hoping for a longer stay this time around. We have told the owners and the agents they are welcome to come in.

"We have not done any damage and we have occupied peacefully. It is becoming a tour and it will continue until the council recognises our cause."

The Burton Croft centre, a former BUPA residential home, closed in April 2002 when 34 elderly people had to find a new place to live.

Residents in the Clifton area have been outraged over development plans by developer Barratt that could see the Victorian-style building demolished and replaced with a three-storey block of 24 flats. But those plans, which have not yet been considered by council chiefs, may now be delayed by the arrival of the building's new occupants.

Dennis said: "We sent a scouting party out two days ago and we have placed our legal squatters notice on the walls. We are arguing to be artistic and creative.

"We will probably be evicted, but we have never done any damage and have a reputation for not doing damage."

Updated: 12:22 Saturday, July 19, 2003