These squatters are literally cashing-in after taking up residence – in a former bank.
The group are occupying the large building in the affluent suburb of Clifton, Bristol.
They allegedly gained entry through an open window at the back of the property.
The huge building – worth around £750,000 – was formerly a Lloyds TSB bank.
They took up residence in well-off Pembroke Road in the early hours of Sunday morning,
The group of nine male squatters, whose ages range from 20 to 50, have taken over many of the large sized offices to use as bedrooms.
A spokesman for the squatters said they are enjoying ”getting their own back” on the banks.
He said: “We needed a place to live as our last squat is being evicted. This building was too good to miss.
“We’d like to reassure our new neighbours our temporary stay here will not be causing them any noise or nuisance.
“As a group of homeless people with no money we’re enjoying getting one back at the financial system which always seems to get public money thrown at it when they’re in trouble.
”We will be here as long as we can be.”
The group, who had previously squatted in an empty post office in Bristol city centre, were evicted from the building two weeks ago.
The former bank, which is believed to have been empty for around a year, is still connected to both water and electricity, although the internal lift has broken down.
One neighbour fumed: ”If they leave the place in a mess and trash it then nothing has been achieved and to me that is pointless.”
Officials at Lloyds TSB have confirmed they own the building which used to deal with the bank’s private sector – handling clients who held money abroad.
Police attended on Sunday afternoon but left after confirming no damage had been caused to the building.
Last month a new law came into force which states that those who occupy residential properties without permission could be jailed for six months and be fined up to £5,000.
In the past, squatting was a civil matter, only attracting police intervention if criminality was suspected.
But it is understood that the bank property is classed as a commercial property and therefore is not affected by the new law.
