Keens launch legal action against squatters (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Keens launch legal action against squatters

4:47pm Monday 6th July 2009 in

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MPs Ann and Alan Keen have launched legal action against squatters who have taken over their constituency home.

The couple apologised to neighbours living near their Brentford home, in a letter sent last week.

They said builders were due to continue refurbishment within a fortnight, and they looked forward to moving back in during the summer.

In the letter they said they had been let down by their previous builders, and they felt “violated” that the new occupants moved in while they were living in their second home in central London.

But many neighbours have welcomed the squatters, turning up for a barbeque at the house and offering food and bedding to the group.

The Keens’ letter read: “I am sure that you are aware that our home has been taken over by squatters. The law to deal with squatters is complicated but we are taking legal action to regain possession as quickly as possible.

“After major difficulties with the architect/builder we commissioned to carry out refurbishing work and a loft conversion, we were very badly let down and the company recently went into liquidation.

“We are now in a position to bring in a new firm and work is scheduled to start within two weeks. We look forward to moving back in during the summer.”

Mrs Keen, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, and her husband, MP for Feltham and Heston, claimed £140,000 over four years for their second home less than 10 miles from Brentford.

They have been living there full-time since their main home fell into disrepair.

The 10 squatters have said they plan to turn the house into a community centre, vowing not to move until the couple apologise for their expenses claims.