Local members of the community occupied the already prepared-for-demolition site, and intend to continue occupying int and turn it into a community and social centre.

At about 8am, council officers turned up and told us that we needed to vacate the building by 9 or they would send in the police to evict us.

At about 9am a police van appeared in the scene indeed, but left after a few minutes.

The site consists of the Victorian Dalston Theatre and a pair of Georgian townhouses. Although some officials argue it is in a derelict state, members of the community are convinced that with the venue has a big potential for cultural, social and community manifestations, and much prefer this use to the planned sell-off to private developers. Experience says that when such a magnifienct site is in the hands of private developers, it is invariably turned into luxury flats.

This gentrification is having devastating effects in the families already living there, like the rising of private housing rents or the closure of public services and the opening of private, expensive ones that has already forced families to leave the area.

More help with rotas to stop the eviction of the place is more than welcome, so if you live near the area come round and show your simpathy and/or offer your help or a cup of tea.

For more information, watch this space - we will be posting ways in which you can get involved and a contact address soon. Thanks for all expressions of support we have received so far.

For background information, visit OPEN Dalston,
 http://opendalston.blogspot.com/