SQUATTERS have taken over a disused industrial unit in East Oxford and are planning to turn it into a self-styled ‘Pleb’s College’.

Five squatters moved into 55 Randolph Street, formerly a fishing tackle factory, overnight on Saturday.

They claimed they wanted to take back the space for the community and host workshops, debates, a library and a swap-shop.

Oxford University maths and physics graduate Tom White, 21, said the group hoped to change the image of squatters and offer something back to the community.

He said: “It had been empty for about a year and we thought the space could be used for something more positive.

“We’re having a big community meal on Sunday and we hope to get all the residents on the street to come.”

He said the group, who are joined by about another five people of various ages and backgrounds throughout the day, was not acting illegally and had not forced entry to the building.

They got in by climbing over the wall, then went through an unlocked door.

They have set up sleeping bags, a camping stove, cushions, chairs and have even lined the shelves with books, food and flowers.

Mr White said: “We want to stay as long as possible but we appreciate we will probably be kicked out of this place within two weeks to a month.”

He hoped people from within the community would bring different skills to share and teach in their free university or ‘Pleb’s College’.

Fellow squatter and Oxford graduate Mary Lovejoy, 23, said: “We are going to have a library hopefully and a cafe space.

“The neighbours seem interested and excited about having a space that could be used for the community.”

Police visited the building on Sunday after being called by a neighbour.

Thames Valley Police spokesman Adam Fisher said: “We were called at 4.56pm to an empty commercial property following reports of men being inside the property.

“We attended and found three people inside.

“The owner has been made aware and there will be no further police action.”

Trespass is a civil rather than a criminal matter, so it will be down to the landowner, who could not last night be confirmed, to bring a private prosecution to evict the group.

Residents in Randolph Street were unfazed by their new neighbours.

Ali Chevassut, who has lived in the street for 23 years, said: “I don’t know if it’s legal or illegal, but I’m all for it being used as a community space.”