PROTESTERS were evicted from Bournemouth Centre for Community Arts – one forcibly – after a two-month long occupation.

Council bailiffs cleared the building in Boscombe’s Haviland Road yesterday morning with support from two police officers.

One protester, Beau, was carried out by two bailiffs.

He told the Echo: “I wanted to make sure none of our people were trapped in part of the building and they were restricting my access.”

Around six more left peaceably, amidst banter and offers of cake and coffee, but occasional tension. The door was initially locked and the handle tied up with ropes.

The two county court bailiffs and four council appointed bailiffs were blocked on the door step in a brief stand-off.

Sgt Billy Bulloch said of the protesters: “You have done a good job of raising awareness, however the bailiffs have the power to bring this to an end.”

The protesters opened up after confirmation the judge had rejected a last minute legal application for a High Court review.

Around 15 sympathetic residents and members of the Friends of the BCCA watched.

Seth, 65, said: “I’ve been here a month. It’s very sad. I just hope that we have been successful in saving this place. ”

A 20-year-old woman said: “It’s achieved awareness, and if it’s sparked something more, only time will tell.” Protester Gary Sherborne said: “I feel this eviction rushed through without due process.”

Council maintenance staff secured the building and changed the locks.

The council wants the former school and arts centre part demolished and replaced with affordable housing.