This morning we took to the streets to resist the evictions of two squatted homes in Hackney. Following successful resistance we took a neighbourhood stroll to Hackney Town Hall and local branches of Tesco's, drawing attention to their role in evictions in Hackney.

Our first stop on Well Street was due to be evicted by bailiffs acting for a Church trust claiming to act in the interests of the "poor of the area". The trustees support the poor of the area by putting their rents up by 200%, evicting shop keepers and tenants and replacing them with live in security. The sitex company was first to arrive, met by a crowd of around 50 people, two sound systems, several dogs and banners reading "Resist Evictions" and "Homes Not Jails". The bailiffs and owners poked their heads around the corner before retreating back to their cars. 

We then went to Mare Street where Tesco are planning to demolish buildings on Mare Street to pave way for their "development" of rich flats and a huge store. As should be clear, corporations and charities have a lot in common, including the same choice in bailiffs. Having been forced to change their plans once this morning, the bailiffs again trudged back to their car defeated. 

Taking our banners down Mare Street to the Town Hall, the street and junction were blocked to prevent a Serco prison transport van from passing. Hackney Council's housing office behind the town hall was briefly occupied as protest against Hackney Council's, and their Hackney Homes front organisation, use of eviction as a weapon against the poor and disenfranchised. These issues affect tenants, licensees, those in temporary accomodation, squatters and particularly those under threat of post-riot reactionary evictions. The entrance to Tesco on Morning Lane was also taken as protest against their plans for expansion and their role in the attempted eviction this morning. The road was blocked against another Serco van (it's true, once you start noticing them you see how many there are) with banners and messages of support held up to those inside. 

Then everyone went home. It was a lovely morning and it was great to see squatters acting together in solidarity and we should do it again. Soon.