POLICE spend a lot of time evicting squatters and securing buildings so they cannot be occupied unlawfully.

But they have now made use of the same legal rights often thought the preserve of down-and-outs and squatters.

Our front page story shows the police commissioner’s office legally taking over a piece of land by virtue of Sussex Police having used it for a long time.

A man who says he was the owner has now come forward to say the land was his wife’s and they want it back.

Worryingly, he is a vulnerable 86-year-old for whom a legal battle is the last thing he needs.

The Land Registry appears to have fulfilled its legal duty in sending out letters to the freeholders before granting the possession application to the police.

But if they do not get a reply in such cases, should they be required to do more before just signing over the land?

Should the authorities have to go an extra step in trying to track down potential owners, before simply taking on the land?

This pensioner obviously believes so.

No cat nap for charity

THE staff at Cats Protection have done an incredible job over the last ten years.

In that time they have re-homed more than 10,000 cats and kittens from their headquarters near Haywards Heath.

All this with limited funds.

However, the battle is ongoing and the centre is as busy as it has ever been.

They have relied on the help of cat lovers around the country over the years and they need your help once more.

If you are thinking of getting a cat, instead of ordering one from a breeder, go to Cats Protection and get one of their lovable moggies in need of a good home.

Even if you are not, then you can still help. Whether it is just popping in for a cup of tea and a cake or running a fundraising event, there is so much you can do for the charity.

Here is to another fantastic 10 years.

Mega marathon man

Barefoot marathon runner Joe Addison reckons he will nail his latest challenge today – running the equivalent of four marathons in 24 hours.

Some might have said the challenge was far too ambitious – but he dug his heels in. If he completes his task, it will be some feet.