On Friday, 31st March, Bailiffs turned up at 461 Westferry Road, a squatted Fire Station and home to about 25 people. The squat was locked and barricaded with about 25 people inside, but bailiffs, security men and police did have neither bolt cutters nor a locksmith. The 1-ft metal torch they brought did not impress and was generally of no use due to bright sunshine. One of the occupants was seen climbing up a 5-stories high metal tower in the yard of the firestation, thus proven unremovable.

The Landlord was present but could not give good reason why to prefer security warden garding the building rather then having people living in it. The owner of the local pub said he had no problem with squatters living in that building but is campaigning for a police station in the area due to high youth violence. Squatters said they would welcome higher police presence in that case, as visitors to the besaid pub had harrassed community members in the past.

The outcome of todays confrontation is another week for the occupants. They are currently seeking to negotiate with property owner Swan Housing Associciation, whos plans for the building include social housing - which is, in fact, already the use squatters, most of whom have jobs, make of the bulding.

Squatters state that pressure put on them is due to political pressure in the forecoming local elections and has nothing to do with their behaviour in the buidling, which, so far, has been quiet and integrating in the neighbourhood.

See also  http://indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/london/2006/03/337170.html