Private 'police' plan
Ad Nauseum | 02.10.2003 09:57 | Free Spaces | Repression | Liverpool
An area of Liverpool stretching from Hanover Street to The Strand will be policed by a private force known as 'quarter masters', the public inquiry into Liverpool's biggest ever redevelopment heard yesterday.
Liverpool City Council was defending the privatisation of 35 public rights of way as it seeks a series of compulsory purchase orders (CP0s) to enable the £750m redevelopment of the Paradise Street area.
Day nine of the inquiry saw fierce criticism of the scheme from the Open Spaces Society, which campaigns for more public space.
Their local correspondent, Donald Lee, said: "We oppose the wholesale extinguishment of public rights of way on foot to be replaced by a series of so-called 'public realm' routes that are nothing more than permitted ways under the control of private management.
"When I queried with city council officials as to why the new routes could not be dedicated as public rights of way, so thus allowing the Society to withdraw its objection, it was explained to me that the developers and the council needed to be in a position 'to control and exclude the riff- raff element'."
But Peter Mynors, consultant for the Symonds Group, who are working with the council, said he had learnt from trips to the USA what people wanted from cities.
He said: "In North America there has been a drift towards the managed environments of shopping malls and the city centres have died. What we want to do is create a managed environment in the city centre so that we don't get that drift."
When Mr Lee asked Mr Mynors who would be responsible for policing the streets, Mr Mynors said: "It would be similar to what happens in a conventional shopping centre, with people called quarter masters."
The Mersey Design Group, who are objecting to the compulsory purchase of two of their buildings to make way for a bus station.
Day nine of the inquiry saw fierce criticism of the scheme from the Open Spaces Society, which campaigns for more public space.
Their local correspondent, Donald Lee, said: "We oppose the wholesale extinguishment of public rights of way on foot to be replaced by a series of so-called 'public realm' routes that are nothing more than permitted ways under the control of private management.
"When I queried with city council officials as to why the new routes could not be dedicated as public rights of way, so thus allowing the Society to withdraw its objection, it was explained to me that the developers and the council needed to be in a position 'to control and exclude the riff- raff element'."
But Peter Mynors, consultant for the Symonds Group, who are working with the council, said he had learnt from trips to the USA what people wanted from cities.
He said: "In North America there has been a drift towards the managed environments of shopping malls and the city centres have died. What we want to do is create a managed environment in the city centre so that we don't get that drift."
When Mr Lee asked Mr Mynors who would be responsible for policing the streets, Mr Mynors said: "It would be similar to what happens in a conventional shopping centre, with people called quarter masters."
The Mersey Design Group, who are objecting to the compulsory purchase of two of their buildings to make way for a bus station.
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Comments
Hide the following 6 comments
This is an ongoing privatisation of public space
02.10.2003 11:25
You could point out to the police that you are being peaceful and engaging in a lawful activity, but the police will ALWAYS side with the owners of the property. This happened to some people who were handing out leaflets earlier this summer outside a Daily Mail sponsored event at Earl's Court (they were pointing out the Mail's racist views and urging people to boycott the event). When asked by security to leave the forecourt they refused, the police were called and threatened to arrest the campaigners for a breach of the peace. A breach of the peace can only occur if violence has happened or is about to happen, the police said that by being there they were inciting the security guards to use violence against the campaigners!
If the privatisation of everything continues we won't be able to go anywhere or express any opinion without the owners permission...
Miss Point
Who's streets?
02.10.2003 11:56
OUR streets!
StreetFighter
More than slogans
02.10.2003 13:36
It takes more than just shouting slogans - like 'Whose streets' - 'Our streets' to change this thing - people have to start producing litrature and informing people about what is really going on in this city - the indigenous population and the poor are clearly being wiped clean from the slate. Those with money dont want to have to deal with looking at locals who may not be wearing expensive clothes and who may bring up important questions. It doesn't matter how you make your money in this city - drugs - proffesional grant grabbers - as long as you have and look like you've got money. law and order never existed only against the poor.
Agitator
For sure, but every bit helps.
02.10.2003 15:08
Yeah, point taken. I agree we also need to educate and organise.
I remember the slogan above being very popular during some provincial
protests in March when the authorites were preventing the protestors
(and critical mass) from taking their intended route through the
heart of OUR city.
StreetFighter (non-violent)
same thing different place
03.10.2003 10:32
Fortress LA: The shape of things to come for us all?, 9 February, 2002
Reviewer: A reader from Glasgow
The chapter entitled 'Fortress L.A.' is an eye-opener towards the role that money and power play in turning the city into a fortified, exlusive and unwelcoming place in which its layout is aimed at the preservation of riches/power for those that have it.
The ubiquitous glare of security cameras renders all public space private in the name of corporate defense. Private security patrols watch every step too. In this city, there is no welcome for those who do not 'fit in', unless you are seen to fuel this system of power you are not welcome.
A startling read, more so when one faces up the fact that all our cities here in the West are going along a similar line.
can't sleep
More in today's Daily Post
11.10.2003 12:01
Liberty described an application to scrap ancient rights of way on dozens of city centre streets as appalling and would usher in American-style management of what are now public highways.
Around 35 streets will be affected within the Paradise Street area as part of the £750m Grosvenor redevelopment plan.
The million-square feet development will mean new buildings and renovation projects based loosely on the existing street pattern.
If a Government inspector approves a series of applications to replace traditional rights of way with public realm arrangements it will pave the way for the private sector to control who can - and who cannot - enter the shopping area.
A team of privately-employed quartermasters will be hired to "police" the privatised zone.
The proposals have been strongly opposed at a current public inquiry by the Open Spaces Society.
Last night, Liberty joined the row by saying its own lawyers would be carefully examining the scheme to decide whether to mount a legal challenge.
If the proposals are accepted, rules will be drawn up, to be applied in the controlled zone:
* Alcohol and food only to be consumed in designated areas;
* Sleeping not permitted; Skateboarding and rollerblading not allowed;
* Vagrants and tramps will be moved on. No begging;
* Demonstrations will also need police permission with a controlled meeting place;
* Street entertainers will need permission.
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