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new Oxford social centre survives first round of police bullying

Sam McSam | 14.08.2011 20:34 | Culture | Free Spaces | Social Struggles | Oxford

An empty industrial workshop in East Oxford has been squatted by a group planning to use it for community and social events, an organising base for local radicals and living space too.

We had our first visit from the cops today. To cut a long story short, they managed to coerce their way in by waving around battering rams and threats of arrest. But after wandering around and failing to find any evidence of theft or damage, they left.. leaving us pleasantly mystified. Not sure why they didn't kick us out when they physically had the chance; there are many theories.

Still, now that first encounter is out of the way we can now get down to business. A freeshop, bookswap library, community meals and freeschool events are some ideas we have for starters, but we want your ideas too! If you have an idea for an event or project, get in touch or come and chat.

We're at 55 Randolph Street, which is here:
 http://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=51.745114&mlon=-1.234634&zoom=16
...unfortunately at the moment getting in involves hopping over the front wall to get into the courtyard. This can be done using the neighbours' front wall (luckily the folks in that house seem to be pretty sympathetic). If you need a hand with this give us a wave from the road.

Useful things you could bring:
-mattresses or bedding
-electrical or plumbing skills
-food and/or water

If you don't have time to visit us in person you can reach us at:
 oxsquat@riseup.net

Sam McSam

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  1. Great news! — A. Random