AN eviction date has been set for squatters occupying a disused York hotel - but they hope last-minute legal discussions could extend their stay.

More than a dozen people still living at the White Swan Hotel, Piccadilly, have been told bailiffs will arrive to turf them out on Tuesday morning.

But the squatters will meet legal representatives at Leeds Crown Court on Monday to discuss plans to overturn a court decision against them.

Activist Damien Coleman said the mood among the group was "more focused" since an eviction date had been set, but hopes were high that they could appeal.

He said: "If we are not granted leave to appeal then we are out, but many of us feel that the judgement against us was unfair."

He said: "We are fighting the eviction on a number of fronts and it will be interesting to see what finally happens."

Papers served by York County Court and hand delivered to the hotel read: "The court has issued a warrant for possession of the property as requested by the claimant."

A judge at Harrogate County Court this week ruled that the group should leave immediately as their stay was illegal and ordered them to pay costs of £2,000.

His judgement followed an application by David Watson, of Rollits Solicitors, who represented the building's family owners, Graham Family Settled Estates Ltd.

The company, which is owned by father and daughter team Reginald Graham and Melanie Boyd, owns a string of properties across the UK valued at more than £9 million.

Damien said a few people had already moved out of the 50-bedroom city centre building, which has been restyled as a "Rainbow Peace Hotel", but a hardcore of activists remained.

He said: "A few hangers-on have left, but the people that are still here are the people we want and who help. A lot of people have tried to take advantage of our presence."

Updated: 10:49 Friday, May 16, 2003