Hi. A bunch of us have taken over a huge complex of disused buildings in central Colchester, Essex.
We are setting up a social centre, with cafe nights, music, kids space, discussions and more! The address is 87 East Hill, Colchester.
We have been in these are beautiful old grade 2 listed buildings for a few weeks.
They had been left empty for years by Capita Insurance Services, part of Capita group, big friends of New Labours Private Finance Initiative (PFI).
This corporation want to gut these buildings, turn them into posh flats, demolish the out-buildings and capitalise on the prime building land. But they have been unable to get planning permission for this! - Presumably ‘cos their plan is nasty!
So the buildings have been left empty for years! Until we moved in...We have won the support of neighbours and passers by painting, decorating, gardening, tidying up - making the place look warm and loved.
With Capita's negligence they had become an eyesore, sad and empty. We have made them a centre for the local community.
Now Capita Insurance are taking us to court this Friday 23rd Aug. for an interim possession order, but we hope to challenge them in court ‘cos they've got their facts wrong.
Friday . 9.30am Colchester County Court, Southway.
Capita have already made themselves the enemies of local council workers and communities everywhere. They are hugely rich, recently going on a multi-million pound spending spree, buying other companies. They won £744 million worth of new contracts from local and central government last year, and plan on more, expanding into healthcare.
If they evict the social centre, the buildings will be left empty to rot. This is pure greed. They could easily let community groups use and care for these buildings. They have enough money!
Come up and give us a hand. We still hope to be in the buildings on the Bank Holiday Monday 26th Aug, to be part of the Colchester Free Festival, in the neighbouring park.
People are welcome to visit and stay. We have about 50 rooms here!