SQUATTERS in Oxford last night agreed with a judge that their actions could help bring empty properties back into use as they prepared to be evicted.

London judge Fiona Henderson reportedly said squatting was not a crime and could be a good way of reviving empty buildings.

She spoke out as she ordered a list of empty homes in North London to be made public to the Advisory Service for Squatters.

A group of Oxford squatters who are currently occupying a disused factory unit in Randolph Street have been told bailiffs will evict them tomorrow.

Squatter Tom White, 21, said: “It’s just common sense really when you look at the actual facts of what squatters do, rather than misrepresentations.

“Squatting is a lifeline for homeless people and it makes sense when buildings are going to waste. The judge sounds like a sensible woman.”

The squatters have been taken to court by property owner Drennan International, based in Temple Cowley, which was granted possession of the building on the grounds of trespass.

They set up a ‘Pleb’s College’, aimed at sharing skills with the local community, and have held community meals and lessons in everything from calculus to climbing.

Mr White said the group hoped to set up in a new site somewhere in Oxford and continue holding classes.

He said: “We hope we have shown squatters aren’t bad.”

Judge Henderson was sitting at a tribunal at Camden Council in north London.