PROTESTERS have ended their occupation of Cathedral Green and have vowed to restore the area to "as good as new."

Occupy Exeter, which pitched up at the site in November as part of a worldwide protest against banks and big business, packed up the last of their tents after an eviction order was granted at the county court.

They are also being evicted from premises at Number 18 Cathedral Yard, a former solicitors' office that some members of the group had been squatting in.

A spokesman for the Occupy group said they would leave both sites peacefully and would assist in cleaning up the muddied area outside the cathedral.

The representative, who gave his name as Carlus, said they would make a decision on where to go next in the "near future".

There has been speculation they will move to a site "to the north of the city" at the weekend. He said: "We are looking at several possible other locations in the city but have not made a decision on them yet.

"The movement is still very active and we have a thriving on-line community. We are still very vibrant. We are hoping to keep that momentum going and a decision will be made at our general assembly of what we do next. We have agreed to assist in re-planting the grass and we will make sure the green looks as good as new.

"We have now got people's attention and have succeeded in highlighting issues. We should not say no to diversifying our tactics and branching out.

"I think we have now got our message across.

"Throughout, the response from the public has been largely very positive."

During the county court proceedings on Tuesday there was a large police presence and only six protesters were allowed into the hearing. The remaining group, some of whom were in fancy dress, waited outside.

The group had already begun packing away, and by the time of the court hearing the majority of the site had already been cleared.

Carlus added: "Occupy Exeter as a group did not oppose the eviction orders but a few members of the group decided to fight it as individuals.

"We are disappointed it has come to this but we will continue what we started."

The cathedral said it regretted having to take action.