Squatters resist Church eviction
Squat the Lot | 12.05.2008 14:04 | Culture | Free Spaces | Social Struggles | South Coast
As we write a standoff is playing itself out on the streets of Brighton as sweating police and bailiffs scratch their meaty chins and wonder what to do as for the first in years people are refusing to go quietly from their home. The space was opened up for the Days of Direct action for Autonomous Spaces on the 11th and 12th of April.
For the last month, the derelict abandoned Methodist church on the London Road, Brighton has been used for the first time in years by the community as people have held workshops, film screenings, free food, hosted bands and opened the large space for free to any event that needs it................ Almost what church halls were supposed to do!
However, despite attempts to contact the Methodists and ask them to honor their pledge to support "community development for justice, especially among the most deprived and poor" The space received its court papers on the 2nd of May.
Barricaded in (actually to the point where there are no doors left), "Locked on" and hung with banners police and bailiffs are trying without success to gain access. The occupiers are refusing to move. A crowd has gathered in support outside as people wonder what the powers of law and orders next move will be...supply's are being hoisted in from supporters by basket as the "siege of London Road" looks set to continue.....Watch this space for further reports.
Check out http://www.myspace.com/88londonroadsquat for more details.
For the last month, the derelict abandoned Methodist church on the London Road, Brighton has been used for the first time in years by the community as people have held workshops, film screenings, free food, hosted bands and opened the large space for free to any event that needs it................ Almost what church halls were supposed to do!
However, despite attempts to contact the Methodists and ask them to honor their pledge to support "community development for justice, especially among the most deprived and poor" The space received its court papers on the 2nd of May.
Barricaded in (actually to the point where there are no doors left), "Locked on" and hung with banners police and bailiffs are trying without success to gain access. The occupiers are refusing to move. A crowd has gathered in support outside as people wonder what the powers of law and orders next move will be...supply's are being hoisted in from supporters by basket as the "siege of London Road" looks set to continue.....Watch this space for further reports.
Check out http://www.myspace.com/88londonroadsquat for more details.
Squat the Lot
Additions
How to contact the Methodist Church
12.05.2008 15:03
If anyone would like to contact the Methodist Church to ask them more about why they've sought an eviction over a building that had been left derelict and doing nothing for the community until its most recent occupants moved in, here are the contact details:
Methodist Church House
25 Marylebone Road
London
NW1 5JR
+44 (0)20 7486 5502
enquiries@methodistchurch.org.uk
Media enquiries to:
mediaservice@methodistchurch.org.uk
Tel +44 (0)20 7467 5221
Methodist Church House
25 Marylebone Road
London
NW1 5JR
+44 (0)20 7486 5502
enquiries@methodistchurch.org.uk
Media enquiries to:
mediaservice@methodistchurch.org.uk
Tel +44 (0)20 7467 5221
vg
More numbers
12.05.2008 15:48
Two more numbers to ring:
Legal Office of Methodist Church: 0161 235 6770
Property Office of Methodist Church: 0161 236 5194
Legal Office of Methodist Church: 0161 235 6770
Property Office of Methodist Church: 0161 236 5194
church mouse
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