Squatters Set For Eviction From Former Virgin Active Gym

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Plan to obtain court order for Battle Close site

Police and Merton Council are working to evict squatters who have broken into the former Virgin Active on Battle Close in South Wimbledon and have been causing a disturbance in the area.

A Court Order is scheduled to be obtained through the Magistrates' Court before the end of Thursday (March 7) and the police have already been on site.

Merton Council has said in a statement: “Security measures had been in place, including 24 hour CCTV, but those involved were still able to force themselves in.

“Once the squatters have gone, the council will tighten up security to prevent further break ins, while the future of the site is still being considered.

“The former gym has been shut and secured since December when Virgin Active decided to close the gym and give up their lease. The keys were then handed back to the council who own the freehold.

“Battle Close was rejected as a potential site for the new Harris Wimbledon school by the Department of Education, as the site is too small for a school, and other future uses, including housing, are under consideration.”

Virgin Active gave up the lease to the land last October, and the gym has been closed since then.

March 6, 2018