Squatters have less than 24 hours to vacate an old hotel in Hampton Court, after it is believed they moved in on Monday.

Residents drinking in the Kings Arms pub nearby noticed lights on in the former Liongate Hotel and people moving about earlier this week.

Hampton councillor Gareth Roberts said he is not surprised the squatters have moved in due to the appearance of the building, which he has been complaining about since November 2012.

He said: "I've been concerned about the appearance of The Liongate Hotel for some time now. This building stands at the main entrance to a Royal Park and directly opposite what is arguably the most important historic building in the country, Hampton Court Palace.

"Yet developers have seen fit to clad the windows and doors in stark, unsympathetic, metallic sheeting without any consideration to its positioning and context.

“Given the dilapidated aspect of the building, frankly I'm not surprised that it has now attracted the attention of squatters.

“I sincerely hope the squatters can be removed and the building made presentable before next month when the eyes of the world will turn to Hampton when we play host to the RHS Flower Show at Hampton Court Palace.”

The site in Hampton Court Road has been sold, but for the moment there is no confirmation on what it will be used for, but it is believed it could be used for flats.

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: “An interim possession order was served by police today at 10.20am which gives the squatters 24hrs to vacate the premises.”