An MP has branded squatters who have taken over a prime city centre property as “well- educated layabouts”.

The group initially took over the block at 20 Old Steine before moving on to 45 Grand Parade.

Banners have been placed outside windows which read “Rent is Theft” and “Don’t Criminalise Us”.

Mike Weatherley MP who spearheaded recent squatting legislation, said: “This is yet another example of middle-class, well- educated layabouts creating a mess at society’s expense when they should be hard at work like the rest of us.

“Imagine having to live next-door to that mess.” A neighbour in Grand Parade, who did not want to be identified, said: “They’ve been no trouble. They haven’t given me any trouble at all.”

A nearby construction worker, who sent in photographs of the squat, added: “They’re no trouble, they’re just kids. They’ll be gone in a week.”