Squatter powers used in St Helens to eject man from house (From St Helens Star)

Squatter powers used in St Helens to eject man from house

8:31pm Tuesday 18th September 2012 in News

A ST HELENS squatter has become one of the first people in the country to be ejected from a property under new powers.

Just two days after the laws were introduced, police and council officers successfully removed the man who had been involved in anti-social behaviour while squatting at a privately rented address in Parr.

It means St Helens Council – working closely with Merseyside Police – were among the first authorities in the country to use the legislation which makes squatting in a residential property a criminal offence.

The laws were introduced following public concern about the harm trespassers can cause and are designed to protect owners and lawful occupiers.

Chief Superintendent Rob Carden said: "This has been a great example of the excellent partnership working that takes place on a daily basis within St Helens.

“This has been an appropriate use of the new legislation and brought a swift conclusion to a situation that would have been significantly protracted under the law as it previously stood."