Squatters have taken over empty offices in east Oxford and opened a community social centre.

Offices at 220 Cowley Road formerly rented by a youth charity, the Rap Yard, were taken over by a group taking it in turns to stay in the building to ensure they cannot be evicted.

Mary Hunter, 24, said: "Squatting is a legitimate way of finding somewhere to stay. There are a lot of empty buildings that are not rented.

"We have taken over the building because the area needs a space and resource completely open to the community and not tied up with bureaucracy."

Ms Hunter said up to 10 people had been staying at the building for the past week, since the Rap Yard group moved out.

She said the squatters would be prepared to enter into negotiations with the landlord and would consider moving out if the premises were to be rented. The owners of 220 Cowley Road, the Kandola family, of Jeune Street, east Oxford, declined to comment.

The social centre organisers posted a message on Indy Media, a website for activists, inviting community groups to use the centre.

It says the centre would be perfect for grassroots activist groups looking for a place to meet, and as a space to organise workshops or training.

The message said: "The main meeting area would be excellent for workshops, social events, screenings, cultural and artistic activities. Workshops for kids after school or dancing lessons and meetings can be held there too.

"Other ideas include an alternative library, an info point for activism, and many more - it's open to anyone who wants to get involved."

The message said there would be regular meetings where anyone who wanted to get involved with the centre would be able to discuss ideas.