Just a Pic of Squatters taking over the disused office building on Joan street

apparently police are powerless to do anything

Why not? Seems like the building is just sitting there empty anyway. Looks like they're having fun up there!

Good to see empty structures being reclaimed and put to use by people who don't just sit on their ass...

yep agreed . Its been empty for years , might as well be put to use :)

agree -totally object to over taking peoples occupied homes - but if a property is empty long term- make it a lovable and cared for space

Appears the owners not too interested. Law should now be changed to fulfill the half that was 'forgotten' in the 'squatting' bill passed last September 2012 to ban all squatting and associated activities in residential premises and extend to all premises including 'derelict' commercial.. Council etc then will be able to act positively for the good of all residents - majority of whom pay their way in one form or other presumbably.

Veritas wrote:

Appears the owners not too interested. Law should now be changed to fulfill the half that was 'forgotten' in the 'squatting' bill passed last September 2012 to ban all squatting and associated activities in residential premises and extend to all premises including 'derelict' commercial.. Council etc then will be able to act positively for the good of all residents - majority of whom pay their way in one form or other presumbably.

In what way is a derelict property good for all residents? By not using the property, the owner is behaving anti-socially.

Would you support measures to force, or at least strongly encourage, property owners to actually use their properties (such as a land tax), rather than leaving them as a blight on a neighbourhood that needs more residents, workplaces and beauty?

Who pays for the utilities used ie: Water, Electricity etc???

That building has been empty for so long I wonder if it has any utilities.

Veritas wrote:

...Council etc then will be able to act positively for the good of all residents...

You mean once squatting is banned in commercial premises the Council will begin to act positively for the good of all residents. Maybe they could start straight away instead!