LEFT-WING activists who occupied a well-known Trade Union building are claiming the direct action was a success.

The Northern Echo reported on Saturday that a dozen members of the Teesside Anarchist Network, Teesside Solidarity and various individuals occupied the Trade Union-owned Cleveland Trade Unionists and Unemployed Workers Centre on Marton Road, Middlesbrough on Friday.

The activists said the building was neglected and dilapidated and should be renovated and put to good use for various activities like a clothing bank, advice centre, creche and bookshop.

Cleveland Police were called and the anarchists and socialists agreed to leave after Cleveland Trades Council representatives agreed to meet with them to discuss how the building could be better used.

A statement by Teesside Anarchist Network said: "Direct action gets the goods."

Bob Stephenson, secretary of Cleveland Trades Council, said: "Those people do not have any connection with us or our centre. They said they were trying to support us but their actions have done more harm than good. They gained access by booking a room under an other name."

However, one of the activists, Karen Kirkham, responded online saying: "Bob, it achieved talk and recognition, more than what the building will achieve if it's left to become dilapidated to the point were demolishing is the only answer. The building is worth people's efforts, or do you not agree with that? Let it be left to fall into nothing but rubble."