But defiant to the end, they hung a banner over the entrance to the former Royal Park Primary School in Woodhouse saying: "Some Day We Will Be Back 4 Good."

Bands played at an "eviction party" as the group ended their occupation of the main school building.

The large, red brick Victorian building has stood empty since the school closed five years ago while the council has considered options for its future use.
Concerned at lack of progress and fearing the rapidly deteriorating building could end up being demolished, the group – who want the building to be converted for community use – took it over and began their own repairs.

During the past fortnight the group say they have:
* Made safe broken windows;
* Cleared debris from halls and classrooms
* Removed flammable liquids;
* Restored the electricity;
* Had a gas pipe capped;
* Tidied the school yard and made flower tubs ready for planting;
* Completed some roof repairs.

Their efforts to improve the building came to an end on Monday when the council was granted a possession order at Leeds County Court. A former caretaker's house on site is still being occupied and will be the subject of a second court hearing next week.

During the occupation the group organised events including a jumble sale, juggling, film shows and open mic nights.

Ted Winter, one of those taking part, said: "We are leaving the building in a lot better condition than we found it and we have shown what a wonderful community asset it could be.We will keep up the pressure for this building to become a community facility."

The group's direct action in trying to improve the building has won widespread support including from some councillors. Coun Linda Rhodes Clayton (Ind, Hyde Park & Woodhouse) joined the occupation when she stayed overnight last Friday.

Meanwhile, the Royal Park Community Consortium – who are not part of the occupation – are continuing to work on proposals for the building. They would like the council to transfer the building to them, then apply for grants to refurbish it for community use.

A city council spokeswoman said: "Since the building ceased to be a school, the council has been working to bring forward schemes which would retain the building in ways which support services or activities for the community.

"Due to financial constraints and the property crash, previous schemes were not financially deliverable. However, over the course of this year a number of local organisations have come forward withproposals for the building and the council is inviting them to submit further details."