Residents living on the former Woodshop Plus site face a court showdown next week as they fight an eviction notice from the Government.

Last night Abdul-Mojah Ebbin, who was the on-site manager at the St. George's site, said he was unhappy with alternative accommodation offered by Government at the Canadian Hotel in Reid Street.

He said: "We don't want to fight Government but Government is fighting us.'' He said there were seven residents still living on the site which is now being supplied with electricity from neighbours after the Woodshop's own supply was cut off.

Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott said offers of alternative accommodation had been rebuffed.

He said: "We have gone out of our way. We have been surprised when it has been turned down and have even gone the extra mile to find another possibility and one or two have declined that.'' "Even though they were illegally living there we still didn't want to put them out in the cold.'' He said Mr. Ebbin had also turned down accommodation at the Salvation Army hostel.

Government began eviction proceedings in the summer.

Mr. Scott said a November court hearing was turned down after Mr. Ebbin said witnesses were unavailable.

Yesterday Mr. Ebbin said he was trying to delay Monday's hearing because he did not want the case heard by Magistrate Will Francis.

Last night Mr. Scott said he would be very surprised if there was a further adjournment.

Defiant: Former site manager ?Abdul-Mojah Ebbin