Skip to content or view screen version

JB Spray squat under threat

Notts IMC + JB Spray | 27.05.2010 17:37 | Free Spaces | Repression

The JB Spray squat in Radford, Nottingham is under threat of eviction. The occupiers, who have been in the building since May 2009, have been served with notice of a court date for 3rd June. The landlord is intending to gain a possession order and make homeless the many people who have been living in the building for over a year. The occupiers have stated that they intend to resist any attempts to evict them and are asking people to support them.

The former lace factory, which was empty and unused for many years, has been occupied and used for social and community purposes a number of times in the past. On previous occasions squatters were evicted quickly. This is the first time that people have been able to settle and make a proper home in the building.

Those wanting to help with resistance to the closure of this free space should call 07817493824 or email jbspray[at]hotmail.co.uk.

Newswire: JB SPRAY Squat, Nottingham Under Threat of Eviction | Squatters in the JB Spray Building, prevent water company from cutting them off | J.B. Spray: Squat Lobster's First Event

Previous features: Squatters Retake Nottingham's JB Spray Factory | Spring Into Action Now! | J B Spray Building Occupied / Evicted / Reoccupied

Links: Advisory Service for Squatters









The JB Spray factory was built in 1870 and is a grade 2 listed building. The massive (7 storey) space had been left to rot by its owner and was suffering severe structural damage caused by rain coming through holes in the roof. Ironically, the owner has claimed that he has tried to find community uses for the space, but every time that people occupy the building intending to put it to good use, he seeks to evict them.

In June 2006, a group occupied the Spray stating that "Unwilling to see such a beautiful building left to rot this inspired group is seeking to answer both their own need for housing and the wider community need to reclaim spaces like these as social spaces to share and bring people together." The group invited the local community in for meals and put on musical events. They experienced an illegal eviction by the police acting under the instructions of a woman falsely claiming to be the building's owner. In response, the building was resquatted but was later evicted through legal means.

Almost a year later, in Spring 2007, the factory played host to a busy week of workshops, gigs and actions around the issue of climate change. The building was occupied, temporarily, under the banner of 'Spring into Action'. It showcased practical solutions to climate change, including workshops on bike maintenance, local food production and community compost projects and strawbale building. The week culminated in a daring action that disrupted business as usual at Ratcliffe on Soar power station.

The most recent occupation of the Spray began in May 2009 when a group calling themselves Squat Lobster occupied the building, with a vision of using it as a community space. A number of radical discussions, on space, education and public services were held there. It was also the venue for the weekend long Beyond Borders event which sought to build solidarity and skills amongst migrants and supporters. Early on the occupiers had to protest in the street in order to prevent their water supply being cut of by the Severn Trent Water, but then lived in relative peace until the serving of the notice on Tuesday.

Notts IMC + JB Spray

Comments

Hide the following 5 comments

Full support

31.05.2010 03:15

I am with you , I live just round the corner.

solidarity. x

Fly Poster


safe until 2nd July?

06.06.2010 07:00

I'm hearing JB Spray is safe until 2nd July. Anyone who was there like to post an update on what happened in court?

supporter


adjourned

07.06.2010 14:47

sorry to not have put up an update earlier, but last thursday's court case went well. the case has been adjourned until around the 2nd, i'm not sure exactly of the date and like many took the opportunity to take a weekend break so have let details like this slip a bit.

the judges statement included a schedule by which a number of different things have to happen. this included requirements for the owner to file certain things at certain times and a deadline for ourselves to resubmit our defence.

our intention remains to stay and continue to build our community and any support in this would be very welcome. as well as building a community of people collectively tackling the issue of housing, we are keen to continue to develop the use of the space as a community resource through events and workshops.

we have large open spaces which can be used for all sorts of activities. we also have a certain amount of tools and materials that can be used.

barry


Court case update

28.06.2010 14:25

Just a quick clarification - the next court date is the 2nd August, not July. :)

Lobster


Help still needed

23.07.2010 14:20

Anybody wishing to help as before either to come round before the court date and help out or just come and learn about what we are doing with the space is more than welcome. If anybody is interested in helping to resist the eviction we would welcome them to come and have a chat with us about what they would like to do/their thoughts/experiences.

Please come and support your local squat scene!

Lobster