SHOPKEEPERS say they are relieved a group of Enfield Town squatters have been evicted.

Around 15 people or more occupied empty New River House, a block which towers above Colman Parade, in Southbury Road, more than a week ago but were today kicked out while police watched on.

They had previously camped out at the former Enfield PCT offices in Wenlock House, Eaton Road, where they were accused of causing “extensive damage”.

Dipak Shah, who owns Healthfare Chemist, one of the shops below the block, said: “They’ve just been evicted today.

“They haven’t caused any major problems as far as I understand and they left peacefully. Luckily there doesn’t seem to have been that much chaos compared to Wenlock House.

“They haven’t been that noisy. There’s nothing thrown through the windows or rubbish strewn in the car park.

“I am pleased they’ve gone because one of the customers said they were really messy when they were in Wenlock House around the corner.”

The doors are now being boarded up following a court order granted to the owner of the building.

Salman Masood, manager of nearby S T Food and Wine, said: “They are not the permanent residents of the area. If someone comes in your property it doesn’t mean it’s good for all the neighbours.

“We are not happy. That building doesn’t belong to them so they have got to go.”

He said he did not notice any trouble from the group.

North Central London NHS, now responsible for the former Enfield PCT building, said in a statement last week: “The squatters have caused extensive damage to the building, which was revealed when the building was repossessed.

“They have also caused distress to residents and businesses who, along with the NHS, have been victims of the behaviour of these squatters.”