Squatters have moved out of a West Norwood home - on condition Lambeth Council foot the repair bill for the rightful tenant first.

A group of professional squatters vacated the council house in Chatsworth Way on Monday, March 1, after striking a deal with police, a councillor, and the council property's former tenant, Alan Faggetter.

They set up home in the flat in December, four months after bungling housing bosses moved Mr Faggetter and his family out of their home of 27 years to carry out urgent repairs, only to leave it empty and vulnerable to squatters.

The squatters were told why the property had become vacant, and said they would move out once Lambeth Living agreed to finally carry out the work.

Lambeth Living were on site on Monday to begin work on the property when the squatters handed over the keys. The police also attended.

If the unusual deal had not been struck, thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money would have had to be spent on legal fees to evict the squatters.

Mr Faggetter, 51, who has been living in temporary accommodation, said: "It’s a really positive step and shows what can happen if you just talk to people. The squatters have kept their word, now I hope Lambeth Living do too."

The deal was struck in mid-February by Thurlow Park ward councillor John Whelan, safer neighbourhood inspector Nick Fallowfield, and Thurlow Park safer neighbourhood team chair Richard Moore.

Coun Whelan said: "This is a good result that saved the taxpayer shouldering the cost of the council sending in bailiffs. The repairs are now under way and the lawful tenants will be back home soon.”

A Lambeth Council spokeswoman said it was always the intention to have contractors ready to go on site as soon as the squatters left, and said Mr Faggetter and his family would soon be able to enjoy a newly refurbished home.