PROTESTORS who occupied five council homes to stop them being auctioned off have claimed victory after the houses were removed from sale.

Squatters from Lewisham People Before Profit took over the homes back in February, claiming they should be used to house families in need.

At the time, Lewisham Council claimed the buildings in Lampmead Road in Lee, Angus Street in New Cross, and Friendly Street, Etta Street and Albyn Street, all in Deptford, would be "uneconomic" to repair.

But now Lewisham mayor Sir Steve Bullock has announced the council will bring the homes back into use afterall, refurbishing them using young people in need of training and employment.

Barbara Raymond from People Before Profit said: "We have argued that renting the homes is the best thing to do. Most people in Lewisham can’t dream of affording to buy a house."