Squatters occupying a school are being urged to leave so residents can decide what it should be used for.

The group, called St Anne’s Diggers (Stand), have been camping out in St Anne’s school, Lewes, since May 1 saying they are protesting about it being sold off or developed.

East Sussex County Council is now urging residents to come up with new ideas for how the school could be used in the hope it will persuade the occupiers to leave.

Sean Nolan, director of corporate resources at the council, said: “I have given my personal assurance that the county council will discuss with the local community on interim community use of the former St Anne’s school site within seven days of the illegal occupation ending. I can only hope the occupiers leave peacefully and soon so we can begin the discussion.

“I am very conscious of the disruption and inconvenience to the immediate residents by the continued illegal occupation.

“If we are forced to evict it will be an unnecessary cost for all of us as taxpayers.”

But Stand says it is too little too late. A spokeswoman for the group said: “It’s good to see the council making prog ress and consulting the people is always a good thing. But it is too little a bit too late.

“Community groups are already arranging their own consultation. We will deliver our finding to the council. We don’t need the council to run their consultation. We have an interim use already which is happening now. We have community support – we are the part of the community.”