ANTI-RUNWAY activists occupying land near Heathrow airport are now being evicted by bailiffs — just as this month’s temperatures reach a record high.

Protesters living at the Grow Heathrow eco-site were woken today morning by bailiffs from the National Eviction Team, a private company that markets itself as “protester, squatter and traveller removal experts.”

The company is now targeting Grow Heathrow, one of the longest-running squatted eco-communities in the country that was first set up to block the third runway at Heathrow.

Bailiffs gained entry to the site yesterday morning and deployed specially trained climbers to remove protesters who were chained to a gantry.

However, by the afternoon a hardcore protester was still holding out inside a tunnel, with a stockpile of food and water.

The bailiffs are understood to be booked in for the next two weeks and a police helicopter has also been circling the site.

The move comes as the government’s plan for a third runway is set to face five challenges at the High Court next month.

Grow Heathrow resident Indigo Evans said: “This callous government remains intent on bypassing democracy to build a third runway at Heathrow airport.

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“We’ve already had the hottest February day on record. It’s time for drastic action on climate change, not new runways.

“For nine years we’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with the Heathrow villages and people affected by climate chaos around the world. We’re here to stay.”

Another resident, Jack Turlock, said: “We are completely committed to continuing support for the local community. Airport expansion will make their homes uninhabitable.

“As caretakers of this land we’ve cleared 100 tonnes of rubbish, returning the land to an ecological habitat and community garden.”

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The site is at a former garden centre, which campaigners say was left derelict by a company registered in the Channel Islands.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who is the area’s local MP, has long supported the protest site.

He said previously: “This inspirational project has not only dramatically improved this derelict site but it has lifted the morale of the whole local community in the campaign against the third runway and in planning a sustainable future for our area.

“Grow Heathrow would be a great loss for my constituency in this crucial campaign year against Heathrow airport’s expansion.”