La Seu d'Urgell Council Documents Safety Risks to Evict Squatters

The local council in La Seu d'Urgell has documented serious safety risks in a residential block on Carrer La Salle occupied by squatters, hoping this evidence will convince a judge to order their eviction.

Mayor Joan Barrera said the building's deteriorating condition poses a direct danger to its occupants, beyond the ongoing disturbances and petty crime affecting neighbours. Residents in the Sant Joan Baptista de La Salle block and nearby properties have reported noise, conflicts, and a persistent sense of insecurity. The matter is now before a judge, who holds the authority to mandate the eviction on grounds of safety and hygiene, according to the council's report by the municipal architect.

Barrera described the situation as "very, very complicated," citing limited cooperation from the property owner, Sareb. In November, three scheduled eviction attempts failed because no Sareb representative appeared. The mayor noted that the occupation began when squatters relocated from a block in Plaça Europa, later joined by others in varying circumstances. He estimates around five flats are currently occupied, though the number fluctuates.

The council cannot force the squatters to leave but has submitted the safety report to the courts. Barrera stressed the need to "reorder" the affected city sector once resolved, promising to relocate any vulnerable families living there out of necessity into suitable housing. "That's different from those who have made squatting a criminal way of life," he added.

No timeline for action is available, as it depends on the judge's ruling.