AN ART gallery which was invaded by squatting vandals has finally had its long-awaited opening – months behind schedule. Squatters took over Dynamite Gallery in Trafalgar Street, Brighton, the day after the gallery took over in November.

Football-sized holes were smashed in walls, graffiti etched throughout and hypodermic needles strewn around the building.

The tenants only got rid the occupants in February and have spent the last three months fixing up the mess.

Gallery curator Henry Gomez, 33, from Brighton, said: “It was absolute squalor. All of the windows were smashed and there were holes in the walls.

“It took three months to complete the work. It was completely gutted and built up from the bottom. We gave it new walls, new floors, and a new kitchen and toilet facility.”

Dynamite opened earlier this month with contemporary art on display by local and international artists.

Henry added: “We had a very hard time. It was all very aggressive and nasty.

“These were the party people, not actually homeless. They give squatters a bad name. In the end we the heavies had to tell them ‘either you get out or we’ll drag you out’. “The place was a tip, but we got some great guys in who made it a lot better. They’ve really fixed up the place.

“The landlord has been really supportive.

“I’m so relieved. I’m quite a confident person and tried to stay upbeat throughout the whole thing, but towards the end I had a bit of a crash.

“It’s going fantastically well now with a steady flow of people.” Textiles artists Serena Wells, 39, from Brighton, has paintings on display.

She said: “The building needed another purpose.

“Brighton is a really creative, energetic place, and there should be as many art galleries as possible.”

Dynamite Gallery, formerly Swinton Insurance can be found at 13 Trafalgar Street and is open Tuesday-Sunday.

Visit dynamitegallery.com for more information.