Two groups of squatters who took over a pub and a rehabilitation clinic in Chelsea have been evicted by bailiffs.
They cleared the old Charter Clinic off King’s Road, after 20 squatters moved in this month. Neighbours complained about “unsightly characters” descending on the street.
A separate group of squatters was evicted from the nearby historic Cross Keys pub after its owner secured a possession order on the property.
Businessman Andrew Bourne closed the building, where previous patrons include Agatha Christie and Bob Marley, this year because it was not making a profit and he wanted to turn it into a £10 million home.
He told the Standard the original squatters who moved in last month and planned to open the building to the community had been forced out by another “more aggressive” group.
He said: “I am sad that they stole some sentimental items, they stole some very old lamps which were brought at auction. One was smashed and the other was stolen.”
David Carter of company The Sheriffs Office, which carried out the eviction, tweeted: “Squatters at the Cross Keys Pub in Chelsea successfully evicted this morning. No drama even with their boobie-traps. One happy landlord.”
The arrival of squatters at the two properties raised fears that organised gangs are targeting commercial buildings following new laws outlawing squatting in houses and flats.
The Charter Clinic in Radnor Walk, which has been empty since 2007, was a retreat where the rich and famous went to dry out for up to £300 a day. It is thought to have treated Michael Jackson. Its sister facility, the Capio Nightingale Hospital in Marylebone, has treated Amy Winehouse, Kate Moss and Pete Doherty.
Developer Martin’s Properties, which took over the property title in August 2009, found out about the squatters two weeks ago and launched legal action to evict them. Martin’s Properties was unavailable for comment.
