Squatters who invaded army homes in Putney are laughing after the Ministry of Defence tried to get them evicted but went to the wrong court.

Officials tried to obtain a court order last Tuesday at West County Court in Hammersmith, but the judge immediately threw it out, saying they should have gone to Wandsworth County Court in Putney.

Now it will take a further two weeks to evict the 200-strong group from William Gardens, as the MoD waits for a decision on their second application.

One resident said: “It’s laughable. I would imagine the MoD would have proper legal representation. This whole episode is so embarrassing for them.

“The squatters haven’t caused us any trouble and they always smile and say hello.

“But we are just cross that they are there. No-one should live rent free unless they are very desperate and they don’t seem to be. I hope the MoD will secure the site when they leave.”

If approved, the new permanent eviction notice will take force on Monday, September 22 at 10.30am, when the squatters will be given 24 hours to leave.

They have lived there for about a month, but more came after Lambeth Council evicted over 100 from Limerick Court in Clapham two weeks ago.

The Putney homes were being vacated ready to be refurbished for the families of servicemen, including those returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.

But as soon as the last family left, squatters arrived in vans and taxis and now the area is strewn with rubbish and food waste.

Local MP Justine Greening said: “Hopefully things will get moving now. As a local MP I want to do whatever I can to help.

“Like most people in the area I want to see the site used for what it is meant for- to provide good quality accommodation to servicemen and servicewomen.”

A spokesman for Defence Estates, which manages the properties, said the mistake had been down to a “change in process” of which they were only informed on the day.

They said the MoD was working with Wandsworth County Court to resolve the issue and added: “This will not affect accommodation for any service families.”