In the People’s Republic of China, during most of the Communist era, private ownership of property was abolished, making it easy for residents to be moved on – but now the laws have been tightened up and it is illegal to demolish property by force without an agreement.

This has led to an elderly couple refusing to move as a road is built round their apartment.  Luo Baogen and his wife insist on living in the half-demolished building in the city of Wenling, in Zhejiang province, China because they believe that the relocation compensation offered by the government is not enough.  Now the only building left standing, the five storey block is a strange sight as cars drive around it while the couple remain living inside.  To ensure the couple’s safety, adjacent rooms in the building have been left intact but all their neighbours have moved out, according to local media.

The road paved through the Xiazhangyang village leads to the Wenling railway station and is yet to be officially opened.  What’s the betting that there will soon be a service station and McDonald’s occupying the ground floor?