http://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/n200504_5.htm

Pupils rush to defend squat against bailiffs’ eviction bid

CAMPAIGNING pupils swapped their classrooms for the barricades on Monday when they defended squatters facing eviction by bailiffs.

Students at Acland Burghley Secondary School were among protesters who defended the squat at the former Grand Banks wine bar, now popularly known as the Occupied Social Centre, at the junction of Brecknock Road and Fortess Road in Tufnell Park.

Police and bailiffs were turned away at Monday lunchtime when they were confronted with a group of around 60 centre supporters and a makeshift oil drum barricade.

A spoof road sign, “Warning Street Party Ahead”, mocked the eviction attempt.

It is thought eviction teams are now discussing how to clear the building. The operation could mean closing three busy roads surrounding the squat.

Support for the squat is swelling among pupils at Acland Burghley, just 100 yards from the building.

They have been attracted by organic, “healthy-eating” lunches and a programme of workshops and events laid on by centre organisers.

A group of pupils allowed New Journal reporters to photograph them outside the demonstration on Monday but would not give their full names in case of repercussions from the school.

One A-level student, who uses the name Chavez, said: “They have given us the chance to help run the place for each other. I organised a screening of The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.

“We all have a say. There is a blackboard up with ideas and a weekly meeting in which people discuss ideas for events.”

The Occupied Social Centre, which has been operating since March, has a programme of film screenings and political debates, open to all and funded by donations.

Another pupil, Hana, 17, said: “There are cafés around this area that have signs up saying ‘we remind young customers there is a minimum charge of £2’. It’s not about paying the £2. It just creates an atmosphere where we feel unwelcome.

“Where do they want us to go? If they close it down we will be back to the same situation where there is nothing for us to do.”

Pupils said the centre was safe and operated a “no drugs” policy.

The building was originally a bank, which was then converted into a mock-American diner before being transformed into a swish leather-couch wine and cocktail bar. It has been empty for two years while private landlords have discussed a new lease.

Last year, a youth club run at Acland Burghley Secondary was controversially forced to close after cuts in the council budget.

Shiri Shalmy, a community project worker, said of the Occupied Social Centre: “There are things here for young people that we could never get going. There isn’t any other place for young people over the age of 10 in the area and no youth activities whatsoever.”

Monday’s protest, likely to be repeated at any further eviction attempt, caught the attention of passers-by, including actress Cathy Tyson, who lives in Kentish Town.

“I’ve been in there,” the Mona Lisa star said. “They were polite when I walked in.”

It is understood the squatters have loose ties with The Wombles, an international band of activists who post a programme of events at the centre on their website.

“It is such a waste to see buildings vacant for so long when rents are so high,” said one. “Instead of trying to shut us down, they should be helping us expand this place.”


picture captions:

 http://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/images200504/pupils.jpg
Squat supporters, from left, Annie, Hana and Chavez, who said: ‘They have given us the chance to help run the place’

 http://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/images200504/pupils2.jpg
Supporters outside the wine bar during Monday’s eviction bid