SQUATTERS occupying a disused jobcentre in Deptford were celebrating a “victory” this morning after bailiffs failed to evict them from the property.

The Jobcentre Plus building, in Deptford High Street, was closed down in November last year.

But around 50 people took over the centre on March 12 in opposition to government cuts and have since turned it into a Social Centre.

Activities on offer at the new Social Centre Plus have included film nights, family days and meetings.

But on March 30 owner of the site, Paul Jackson from Victory Land, was granted permission from Woolwich Crown Court to have the squatters forcefully removed.

News Shopper: Campaigners gathered outside the building before the bailiffs arrived More than 30 people demonstrated outside the building this morning (April 12) to prevent the bailiffs from entering while a number of people remained inside the building.

Squatter Jason Cortez said: “If the bailiffs do get in it will show the community that their interests always come second to property and money.”

Three bailiffs were escorted by police to the building but were met with chants of “bailiffs go home” and “hands off our social centre”.

After spending just five minutes at the site they left.

News Shopper: Bailiffs talk to the squatters but leave shortly afterwards Squatter Jason Cortez said: “It’s a victory. They came and then went away. We are very happy with the result.”

Mr Cortez, from Deptford, added: “The demonstration shows that we are not going to go away and disappear. We think that spaces like this should be maintained and kept open for the community.”

News Shopper: Squatters took over the building last month Campaigner Bruno Sanhueza said: “At the moment it’s a temporary victory because the bailiffs have legged it.

“This is what community action does when the community sticks together.”

Mr Sanhueza, from New Cross, added: “It’s good that people came out to support this.

“It’s important to keep this space open for people to come and talk about anything they want to air.”

News Shopper: The Jobcentre Plus building, in Deptford High Street, was closed down in November last year Jacob Stringer from New Cross added: “A lot of local services are being cut. What we are trying to do is bring people together to fight the cuts on a local and national level.”

A march is set to take place at 1pm from Lewisham Hospital to Lewisham town centre on May 21 in opposition to cuts to the NHS.

Owner of the site

Paul Jackson from Victory Land says the squatters broke into the building when builders were in the property refitting it as an art gallery for local people to exhibit their work.

Mr Jackson said: “Ultimately I want my premises back and that’s what I intend to do.

“The art gallery has now been postponed because the builders had to leave site and have had to be laid off.

“The plans have now been delayed which is a great shame because it was going to be a not for profit art gallery for the community.

He added: “I think the community and the public should be aware of what actually happened.

“The job centre left we did not kick them out. The premises were being fitted out. They (squatters) new full well because the planning application was made for the art gallery. They new full well it was going to be for the community.”