Squatting families facing eviction from The Cottage in Dockyard had an 11th hour reprieve last night after originally being told to vacate by 5 p.m.

West End Development Corporation (Wedco) commercial development manager Edward Williams said he was giving the families more time to move their belongings from the plush temporary home of former Governor Thorold Masefield.

But squatter Ray Crofton, who has a disabled wife, said he was staying put as he had nowhere to go to.

He said: “I am willing to go to jail for this.”

Mr. Williams couldn't say when the eviction would take place or where the tenants could go.

They were offered housing after their homes in Lodge Point had major roof damage but the families said the alternative accommodation was no better as it was leaking water.

Mr. Williams said: “We don't have an inventory of emergency housing, we had two places. These individuals seem to feel we are obliged to find them premises.”

But he said the homes had been destroyed and thus the lease was invalid.

Wedco hope to redevelop Lodge Point while The Cottage is earmarked for a hotel.

The plight of the squatters drew supporters from all over as the eviction deadline neared. Ursula Dunlop travelled from the City of Hamilton to lend encouragement. She said: “What they are doing to this family is a slap in my face.”

Speaking about Mr. Crofton's disabled wife who was crippled in a road accident, Ms Dunlop said: “My heart goes to Angelique. Where is the individual who knocked her down?”

Mr. Crofton said an older lady, who lives in one of the other six units at Lodge Point, fell while walking into her apartment after her kitchen flooded after the weekend's bad weather.

His Lodge Point neighbour and fellow squatter Debbie Bean said: “The Government knows we have a housing situation and they talk about helping the seniors and the disabled well we have a senior and a disabled without a proper living situation.”

She added that she did not understand why Wedco would put millions of dollars into the Snorkel Park down in Dockyard and only have it used for four months while letting their homes rot away.

Mr. Crofton showed a list of complaints another family had made to Wedco ten years ago that never were rectified.

Ms Bean said the problem wasn't just with Wedco but also the government who has done nothing for them.

Ms Bean: “We want people to know is that we need the support of our Government. The same Government we elected into Parliament. I wonder how they sleep at night.”

The families deny they are in arrears with Wedco.

“The reason why they are doing that and saying we are in arrears is to make them look acceptable for what they are doing to us,” added Ms Bean.