‘Take one’ or ‘Leave one’ invitations outside the former hair salon in Hornsey Road

SQUATTERS have taken over an abandoned hair salon in Holloway and set up a “free” shop where people can pick up and drop off clothes and goods.

A spokesman for Squatters and Homeless Autonomy group said it had left coats outside the shop in Hornsey Road on a cold night last week not knowing what the response would be. But the group was delighted to find a pick-and-drop-off shop system establishing itself. It is now calling on more people to take over abandoned buildings in the borough to establish similar set-ups.

“I didn’t think it would work to be honest,” the spokesman said. “Last night we left everything outside and I thought someone might come in a van and rob the whole lot. But the response has been really positive and people are coming and going with stuff all the time.”

A bailiff told the group that their presence had been noted.

Squatters have said they will stay in the space that used to be Lounge Hair and Beauty Salon until they are dragged out.