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Expenses couple tell neighbours: We are sorry about squatters
Tim Stewart03.07.09
Labour MPs Alan and Ann Keen have written to neighbours complaining that they feel “violated” after squatters took over their vacant constituency home in protest at their expenses claims.
The couple, dubbed “Mr and Mrs Expenses”, told residents in Brentford that they planned to move back in before the end of summer after starting a legal action to evict the new occupants.
In a mail shot yesterday to neighbours in the streets near the four-storey semi the pair call their “primary residence”, Mrs Keen says sorry for “any disruption to your life”.
The apology comes despite many who live nearby openly welcoming the squatters, providing food, clothes and bedding and attending a barbecue at the property.
It reads: “I am sure that you are aware that our home has been taken over by squatters. The law to deal with squatters is complicated but we are taking legal action to regain possession as quickly as possible.
“After major difficulties with the architect/builder we commissioned to carry out refurbishing work and a loft conversion, we were very badly let down and the company recently went into liquidation.
“We are now in a position to bring in a new firm and work is scheduled to start within two weeks. We look forward to moving back in during the summer.”
The couple, who claimed £140,000 over four years for a second home 10 miles away in Westminster, said the Brentford property had been their “home for more than 22 years” despite it lying dormant and falling into disrepair.
The house has no running water or electricity and there are large gaps in the wooden flooring but its new occupants plan to turn it into a community centre.
Mrs Keen's letter adds: “It is our home and has been very special to us for a long time. We find it extremely upsetting to know that our house is occupied by squatters who appear to believe that they are entitled to do what they wish in our property.
“Anyone who has experienced the feeling of violation after being burgled will understand the distress caused by intruders who refuse to leave.”
The 10 squatters have vowed not to budge until the MPs apologise for their expenses claims.
One neighbour said of Mrs Keen's letter: “We don't know whether she is paying for this mail-out personally or whether she's claiming it on expenses.”
Hounslow council wrote to the Keens two weeks ago, threatening to seize the house as an “abandoned dwelling”.
Reader views (5)
And STILL no MPs arrested. Just who runs this country?
- L.Taubler, London / ENGLAND
They feel "violated".
WHAT ABOUT JOE PUBLIC, WHO HAS BEEN FOOTING THE BILL FOR ALL THOSE MP's OBSCENE EXPENSES CLAIMS?
- Reuben Camara, Republic of Morecambe, UK
I feel "violated" by their greed.
The next election should see them "terminated", at le4ast i hope so.
- Kerry, Purley
When are they going to apologise to tax payers from whom they stole £140,000? The house should be seized, the Keens stripped of their assets, and the proceeds returned to the public purse. They have no sense of decency, honesty or integrity. I have no respect for any of them.
- R.F., Yorks, UK
It's shame they also didn't apologise for their duplicity in robbing the taxpayers blind. By all accounts, the neighbours welcomed the squatters, and seemed pleased the house was once again being "occupied".
- Sonia M., St Albans, Herts
