Villagers are planning to take over a derelict building and “squat” on the site to reclaim it for the community.

Trecwn’s former Barham Road school has been empty and left to decay since it closed more than ten years ago.

The community now plans to claim the site through an adverse possession order and apply for funding to turn it into a community centre and an area for locals to enjoy.

The project is being driven by the Trecwn Community Association in conjunction with Trecwn Community Council.

James Band, who is leading the project, said: “We want to revitalise the village, and claim the property for community use. We want to put the heart back into the village.

“We are taking things forward and have taken steps to claim the site through a public declaration.”

Years have been spent researching the building, but no owner could be traced.

Mr Band said: “It’s a very awkward situation, this is the one step we can take to save the building, stop it deteriorating and make it safe. We want this for the community. It’s something I really believe in and I feel very strongly about this project. “It’s a massive project and it will probably take years to restore the building. We are trying to get funding to start work as soon as possible.

“We are literally going to squat on the land as a village until we can register it for the community. Then no-one can take it off us.

“We want to bring the village back to life.”

Plans also include a garden of remembrance, children’s playground, and a location to hold community events.

The group hopes to fence off the area this weekend, and will then start work on improving the buildings.