School's in as tenants look for a cheap rent

Londoners are beating the credit crunch by living as "guardians" in empty buildings.

Pubs, offices and schools are housing tenants who protect them from vandals in return for a home.

Fourteen guardians share Southwark Park Primary School.

Southwark council, which is spending £9million repairing the Grade II-listed building, says it is cheaper than paying for security.

Guardians apply via Camelot Property Protection, which vets them. The guardians pay £265 a month.

Ted Dawe, 29, who lives in the school, said: "I think it is slightly criminal when premises are left empty. This is the perfect solution because it suits everyone."

He added the only drawback to the scheme is a clause in the contract guardians must sign before moving agreeing they can be thrown out at a month's notice.

Laura B, an artist and musician who has lived in the school for 18 months, said: "I would not live any other way in London."