Squatters Illegally Evicted From Abandoned Pub in Cheltenham
Cheltenham Squatter | 18.07.2008 13:23 | Free Spaces
On July 17th at 14.00 squatters were illegally evicted from the Duke of York Inn, 315-317 London Road, Cheltenham, GL52 6YY.
The squatters had gained entry on the 15th July through an open window after being informed by local residents that the pub was accessible without causing any damage.
They spent the next two days securing the squat, cleaning filth from the pub area, repairing fixtures, furniture and fittings and repairing damage caused by vandals including cleaning graffiti from the walls. The intention of the squatters was to turn the pub into a community arts centre, providing space for local people to meet, converse and express themselves freely.
However, after assumedly being informed by the police that the pub was being occupied, local property developer James Deacon decided to send some of his workers in, armed with sledgehammers and a chainsaw. They began to forcibly gain access to the property using the aforementioned tools. Due to the noise the squatters became aware of what was happening and tried to vacate the property. Their escape was hampered by the workers then using the tools to threaten the squatters, including a 19 year old girl who was backed into a corner with the running chainsaw, despite assurances that they were leaving.
After the squatters left the property they were then followed around the local area by Mr Deacon’s workers in vans, forcing them to beg for sanctuary in the homes of local residents, eventually escaping in the car of a local “good Samaritan” who was chased by the workers in vans for four miles before finally losing their pursuers.
Mr Deacon wants to convert the property into three houses and seven new flats, adding to congestion and overcrowding in the area, a project which has raised many objection s from local residents. To register your objections you can email Cheltenham Borough council at
builtenvironment@cheltenham.gov.uk .
They spent the next two days securing the squat, cleaning filth from the pub area, repairing fixtures, furniture and fittings and repairing damage caused by vandals including cleaning graffiti from the walls. The intention of the squatters was to turn the pub into a community arts centre, providing space for local people to meet, converse and express themselves freely.
However, after assumedly being informed by the police that the pub was being occupied, local property developer James Deacon decided to send some of his workers in, armed with sledgehammers and a chainsaw. They began to forcibly gain access to the property using the aforementioned tools. Due to the noise the squatters became aware of what was happening and tried to vacate the property. Their escape was hampered by the workers then using the tools to threaten the squatters, including a 19 year old girl who was backed into a corner with the running chainsaw, despite assurances that they were leaving.
After the squatters left the property they were then followed around the local area by Mr Deacon’s workers in vans, forcing them to beg for sanctuary in the homes of local residents, eventually escaping in the car of a local “good Samaritan” who was chased by the workers in vans for four miles before finally losing their pursuers.
Mr Deacon wants to convert the property into three houses and seven new flats, adding to congestion and overcrowding in the area, a project which has raised many objection s from local residents. To register your objections you can email Cheltenham Borough council at
builtenvironment@cheltenham.gov.uk .
Cheltenham Squatter
Comments
Hide the following 8 comments
!!! Solidarity !!!
18.07.2008 14:47
squatter
Do you know the squatters?
18.07.2008 15:06
Please get in touch by emailing me at
James
e-mail:
james.knock@glosmedia.co.uk
contact details?
18.07.2008 15:41
Concerned ex-squatter
Thanks for the solidarity!
19.07.2008 02:11
Downstairs dining area
Raised seating area
Some of the mess left by the previous occupants
Behind the bar
Front seating area
Lobby
Stairs
One of the bedrooms
Living room
Other side of the living room
Another bedroom
Another bedroom
Empty safe
Office
Office
Attached are some pictures of the inside of the pub, unfortunately we hadn't had much time to clean up when they were taken.
Cheltenham Squatter
e-mail:
cheltsquat@googlemail.com
contact details
19.07.2008 13:57
using their service is a good habit to get into, too....
lazy ex-squatter
Do you believe in the law or believe that those in power believe in it?
19.07.2008 16:29
aware
heavies
20.07.2008 23:47
People should be aware of who this Deacon scumbag is. Companies house will have his address. Scumbag property developers in houses shouldn't throw heavies... ;)
brighton squatter
Address
05.08.2008 21:02
Mr James Deacon
West Court
West Drive
Pittville
Cheltenham
GL50 4LB
And he has been a developer of other particularly horrible (think large impersonal houses which are designed to be 2nd / 3rd homes for rich city people) developments; search the web if you want to find planning permissions etc.
I wish you guys the best, sincerely. I saw the Duke of York from a bus recently, and was shocked at how trashed it was externally - really looked like the product of violence. Now I see that it really was.
In solidarity.
concerned soul