Squatters have moved into a disused Crouch Hill community centre owned by Islington Council.

Residents reported seeing up to 10 men enter the Blythwood Road Community Centre building on Wednesday evening (December 7).

Video footage seen by Islington Gazette showed the squatters unloading furniture, mattresses and personal possessions from the van and into the building.

According to Islington Council, the community centre in Blythwood Road has not been used since 2020. In 2018, the council opened Brickworks community centre nearby.

Residents say this is not the first time since the initial closure that squatters have moved into the old building, and that previous groups had been evicted by the council.

The most recent group of squatters has put up signs claiming legal occupancy of the building, as well as attaching a padlock to the gate to deter others from entering.

Islington Gazette: Squatters have claimed that they have legal occupancy of the building Squatters have claimed that they have legal occupancy of the building (Image: Stuart Biggs)

Islington Gazette: A padlock attached to the gate of Blythwood Road community centre A padlock attached to the gate of Blythwood Road community centre (Image: Stuart Biggs)

Islington Council said it will begin the process of evicting those currently living at the site.

Stuart Biggs, a Blythwood Road resident, said: “This appears to be highly organised, almost professional, squatting.

“But, whatever the situation of this group of men, the council have created a problem for themselves by wasting a local asset for five years, letting it fall into disrepair and not listening to residents.”

An Islington Council spokesperson said: “Islington Council is extremely concerned to hear reports of squatting at the former Blythwood Road Community Centre. The council and police are aware of this, and will work together to address any anti-social behaviour or criminality on the site.  

“The council is working at pace to initiate the legal process of removing those currently on the site. When the site has been cleared, the council has plans to install appropriate security measures to protect the building.   

“We apologise for the delay in putting forward long-term plans for the building, and are continuing to look carefully at ways that it can be best used to make a positive impact on the local area.”