Although Occupy Sheffield regret that the Cathedral has decided to take this very expensive legal route, the group is pleased that the Judge did not grant the possession order the Cathedral were seeking today. Instead it was decided that a full 2 day hearing should take place to give consideration towider implications of the protest. A proper proportionality review has been scheduled for the 21st February, giving both sides time to marshal their arguments.

Prior to today’s hearing, Occupy Sheffield offered to move the camp no later than 7 days before the Cathedral required the land for building works. This offer was declined by the Cathedral.

Occupy Sheffield did not choose its location in order to enter into conflict with the staff and management of the Cathedral. The Occupy movement worldwide is a people’s movement for social and economic justice anda prolonged dispute of this nature is an unwelcome distraction from our primary purpose.

The invitation to the Dean and Chapter to join the Occupiers in the marquee in order that there can be substantive face to face discussions about the future of the camp remains open.