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Day of action against Bath Building demolition - report

(A) Sab x | 30.03.2007 15:27 | Social Struggles

Yesterday saw a day of action against the demolition of Churchill House, one of Baths historic and beutiful buildings. In Bath councils latest step to further gentfify Bath, the georgian style Bath stone building is to be torn down to make way for a tin and glass monstrosity of a bus stop.

Timeline of action -
* 7 in the morning - Two activists occupy the first floor scaffolding of the building, bypassing contactors arriving for work and unfurling banners.

*7.30 - Police arrive and after a short negotiation, allow the protestors to remain up the scaffolding.

*7.45 - the contractors send up boys to 'request' the protestors come down, they refuse!

*8 - Supporters gather under scaffolding, give a radio interview and collect signatures.

*8 - most supporters move into town to protest and collect signatures

*10 - protestors put up a sign asking cars to beep in support, which they do for the rest of the day!

*10.30 - Contractors begin throwing stink bombs at protesters occupying scaffolding

*11 and throughot day - members of the public pass up food and drink and messages to display with the banners.

*1-5 - The occupation continues to be well supported, except by contractors (who proudly let us know they were part of the fairmile protest camp eviction) who stamp on scaffolding overhead, spray occupiers with fire extinguisher foam and set fire to a ledge on which the protesters are leaning!!!!!

*5.30 - occupation ends voluntarily and the 2 activists move to town to join the main demo

*6 - 300 plus people at a noisy demo, which moves round to the council meeting and hold noise demo

*7 - one protester notices open door and attempts to gain entry which is uncucessful after a brief scuffle with security.

*7.30 - protestors pledge to take direct action to save churchill house after council refuse to accept 11,000 strong petition.

Watch this Space!

(A) Sab x

Comments

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30.03.2007 21:54

Perhaps we can have a bit of info on the area the building is in?

Proper Job


location

30.03.2007 23:44

Yup. The building is near the train station and can easliy be spotted by the scaffolding. The area is a commercial centre of bath which has been ransacked mercilessley in the name of commerce over the last few years. The building is one of the few in the immediate area with georgian arcitechture. Demolition is imminent, so I will post again to let people know, so they can maybe get down and help out. Watch this space!

(A) Sab x


(A) Sab x

31.03.2007 03:00

Yeah, I know. Buy tell us about the area?

XXX

Proper Job