Missing deeds have won Winchester busker, Frank Williams, a temporary reprieve from eviction from his Dome home on the edge of the city.

Red-faced city lawyers admitted they could not find the original title deeds proving they own the land where Mr Williams lives, next to the Itchen Navigation.

In the latest twist, Tola Otudeko, council solicitor, told the planning committee on Wednesday: "I wouldn't say the deeds are lost. We are still looking for them. Someone has looked for them once. Someone else will have another look. It is labour-intensive. There is a storeroom full of deeds."

She added: "There is clear evidence the council owns the land. We have copies. Mr Williams wants to see the original deeds."

A spokesman said the council still hoped to use its own enforcement powers. Failing that, it plans to take the issue to court, but the missing deeds have delayed that process.

Mr Williams has said that if he is shown the original deeds, he will break up his camp, his home for eight years and, with his dog, Frankie, will again become homeless.

Ms Otudeko said another search would be made, but staff shortages meant she could not say when.

Mr Williams (53), a Twyford Down protester from 1992-94, has not got planning permission for his dome-like tent. The city council cabinet agreed to evict him last December.

Last night, Mr Williams said: "Fiasco is an understatement. To think these people are making decisions about people's lives. I quite enjoyed watching them squirm. They are worried about going to court without the originals and making a fool of themselves.

"Now they are saying: 'We haven't lost them. We just can't find them.' This looks like it's heading to court. We'll see what the judge decides. I'm fed up with the prevarication. It has been going on two years."

Mr Williams has the support of many residents. Ninety-nine voted for him when he stood in the recent council elections.