Activists and homeless people who camped in Finsbury Square for months were told they would have to produce a recent utility bill to get their possessions back.

A notice posted in the square after the occupiers were evicted by bailiffs, signed by Islington Council’s commercial litigation manager, Steve Inskip, said anyone wanting to retrieve their belongings would have to produce a utility bill that is no older than two months.

The camp was in place for eight months and occupiers were left bemused by the requirement.

Occupy campaigner Catherine Powell said: “Obviously no one will have a utility bill. It’s a bit of a stupid statement and for some people it’s pretty serious as they do have stuff they need back. Hopefully the council will see it’s completely ridiculous.”

When pressed, a town hall spokesman said people will be able to get possessions back without a utility bill.