Bristol Occupation Update.(Eviction?) Day 3-17th October 2011 We faced a challe…
Bristol Occupation Update.(Eviction?)
Day 3-17th October 2011
We faced a challenging situation last night on site due to several drunken individuals from outside of our group attempting to enter into tents whilst people were asleep. In order to defend those who were sleeping, they were immediately challenged and unanimously told to go away as they were not wanted on site. The situation became quite tense resulting in the arrival of the police. Thankfully the situation was contained and dealt with without a further escalation or any arrests being made. All of us were surprised by what took place, as on Saturday, many people returning home from pubs and clubs came over and joined us around the camp fire to peacefully discuss the political and economic situation. To those who have supported us and continue to do so, we would like to say thank you. We are not against any one other than the minority who have forced millions of us into unemployment, poverty and a life of growing economic uncertainty. We did not begin this occupation out of choice. We were forced into it.
This morning I spoke with a representative of BCC who asked us how long we intended on remaining on the Collage Green site. I was honest and told him that our intention is to promote a
peaceful expression of defiance to the ideological onslaught forced upon us by this illegitimate government and to resist corporate tyranny. I made it clear to him along with several others that our intention is to stay indefinitely and to continue our drive to inspire and ask others to join us in solidarity. I was asked what we intended to do if the site became full. After reminding him that I do not represent any one other than myself, I explained what my suggestion would be if I was asked for it. I told the representative that I personally would like to see camps like this spread to every part of Bristol City Center and beyond. His response was quite subdued but I told him that I appreciated his concerns and recognised the challenging nature of that proposal should it come to fruition.
They have been kind enough to provide us with bins for the site on Collage Green and we appreciate this act of cooperation.
It was mentioned that BCC are holding a cabinet meeting today and they will be discussing how or if they will work with us. I was also told that we are being labelled under law as an illegal encampment “travelers site”. As we are an illegal encampment we may be issued a notice of eviction by a bailiff. The land is on lease to BCC. If the an eviction notice is issued we will have to decide by consensus if we are to fight the eviction, or to pack up our tents and go back home to the life which forced us to take this action in the first place. If you are reading this and support what we are trying to do stand with us in solidarity. Stand with us in peaceful RESISTANCE. This is your occupation. Join us.