Council begins to evict protest camp (From Bournemouth Echo)
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Council begins to evict Occupy Bournemouth protest camp
12:00pm Wednesday 2nd November 2011 in News By Steven Smith
MOVES: The protest camp outside Bournemouth Town Hall
MOVES have begun to evict the protest camp that set up outside Bournemouth Town Hall at the weekend.
Last night the borough council said it had applied to the courts for a hearing to seek eviction of the camp on its land.
The hearing is due to take place on Friday.
Protesters set up on the grass on Saturday after marching through the gardens with banners with slogans such as “Cut bankers’ bonuses, not our pensions” and “We are the 99 per cent”.
The council said that, as landowner, it was entitled to possession.
It also said that the occupation could have a “negative impact” on public amenities at the town hall, with, for example, weddings taking place on November 4 and 12.
Cllr John Beesley, deputy leader of the council, said: “What started as a protest march on Saturday has now become an unauthorised occupation of public land and as such we are now treating it in the same way as we would any other illegal encampment.
“Those at the camp have made their point peacefully, but it is now time for them to go home and allow the wider public full access to the land that is currently occupied.
“I am hopeful that those occupying the camp will leave of their own accord before the court hearing on Friday.”
There is no supply of running water or sanitation for those occupying the camp, which the council said was a cause for concern.
Bags were provided yesterday for those occupying the camp to collect their litter.
The council also removed several banners that it said contravened the Highways Act.
At the weekend the protesters said their move was inspired by the encampment outside St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Yesterday, the City of London Corporation said it was holding off on legal moves to remove that camp.
Comments(53)
0racle
says...
12:22pm Wed 2 Nov 11
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Too stupid to realise their cosy upbringing was paid for by capitalism. Just like that Gilmore twit protesting about student fees when his dad's a millionaire who pays for him to go to Cambridge.
contric
says...
12:34pm Wed 2 Nov 11
ldc
says...
12:36pm Wed 2 Nov 11
"Occupy Bournemouth are disappointed at Bournemouth Borough Council's decision to request a County Court eviction notice without contacting us first, they had two designated points of contact and have failed to contact either of them. Bournemouth Borough Council were aware that Occupy Bournemouth was an on going Occupation and not a protest march, the were made aware of this at a meeting between 5 Occupy Bournemouth Representatives and Council Managers & Police held on Monday 24th October 2011. The comments made by Cllr John Beesley, Deputy Leader of the Council, are misinformed and inaccurate. Representatives from Occupy Bournemouth will be contacting Bournemouth Borough Council to request that this matter be settled outside of the County Courts, we are also currently seeking legal advice on this issue."
https://www.facebook
.com/BournemouthBC - shows the full court eviction list - it contains such nonsense as "it is now time for them to go home and allow the wider public full access to the land that is currently occupied" - anyone ever seen how busy that strip of land gets!!!
Bluestew
says...
1:00pm Wed 2 Nov 11
The council have back stabbed and snidely misrepresented the action and their commitments. This of course will come as no surprise to much of the Bournemouth people of the Borough.
One day before this eviction notice the council had stated to occupiers..."as long as there's a peaceful conversation in process the occupation can stay...we have no surprises in store"....what a difference a day makes.
The press release to the BBC yesterday (Tues) also contained the lies in a concerted effort to undermime the message the occupation is representing....corr
uption being one of them.
The movement is NOT going away...it is just beginning. Southampton starts their occupation next week, Brighton the same day as Bournemouth.
The public are welcome to visit the occupation and find out what the movement means, they have done already in contrast to Bournemouth councillors who in 5 days has only conversed once by one councillor on the night of the 31st Oct.
We already know Bournemouth give not a care for their constituents and sit in the Town Hall collected the publics money to sit in reserves whilst destroying public services like day care centres, or ignoring the homeless.
fedupwithjobsworths
says...
1:01pm Wed 2 Nov 11
Fred Kite
says...
1:08pm Wed 2 Nov 11
Tictock
says...
1:08pm Wed 2 Nov 11
And 10 years on?
Bob49
says...
1:12pm Wed 2 Nov 11
0racle wrote:I'm not sure if your bidiot comment is suggesting that council house kids would steal from or attack these people. If it is, then it is a cheap slur upon people who live in council houses.
Bored middle class kids who want to cause trouble but need the security of there rights being protected. Just tell the council estate kids they are there all night with their ipads and see how long they stay. . Too stupid to realise their cosy upbringing was paid for by capitalism. Just like that Gilmore twit protesting about student fees when his dad's a millionaire who pays for him to go to Cambridge.
.
Might I suggest you look up the words attributed to Pastor Neimuller before you next post up such nonsense.
darcy says
says...
1:19pm Wed 2 Nov 11
The Liberal
says...
1:24pm Wed 2 Nov 11
pete woodley
says...
1:33pm Wed 2 Nov 11
contric wrote:For your information ,i have been having a go at donellan,charon,and beesley for ages,and at one time was banned from phoning the Town Hall,those three are dictators and get away with "blue murder",but not long ago,i did get charon in trouble with standards committee.I have also had a go re the closing down of day centers.This is a very clique town,does not matter what political party,they all look after themselves.I have served as a councillor in another area,and got no expenses at all,i was just pleased to do my bit.Now its a well paid part time hobby.As elderly and registered disabled "heart",of course i am concerned.
well done to the protesters i would rather suport them than the people at the top who are robbing us blind i wonder if i will read on this site in future peter woodley or oracle criticising the pay of the chief ex of bournemouth council or the money cllr,s charon and beasley take from the council tax pot whilst closing down establishments for the elderly and disabled
kls192
says...
1:36pm Wed 2 Nov 11
O'Really
says...
1:50pm Wed 2 Nov 11
http://www.facebook.
com/Nov.Fifth?sk=app
_190322544333196
~
Move your money to more ethical, and safer under current circumstances, building societies and mutuals.
O'Really
says...
1:56pm Wed 2 Nov 11
I've seen many of your comments on these pages. You're not happy with the way things are, understandably. Yet when some brave souls actually try and do something about it (and it's a worldwide action) you are casually negative.
Why is that?
You're the 99% too.
~
Oracle, can I suggest you go down there and have a chat? Nice, well-intentioned people giving up their time for a cause. You might learn more about it all than you do just reading your newspaper and watching TV.
Edwinton
says...
1:56pm Wed 2 Nov 11
O'Really
says...
2:01pm Wed 2 Nov 11
~
http://e-activist.co
m/ea-action/action?e
a.client.id=142&ea.c
ampaign.id=12367
contric
says...
2:06pm Wed 2 Nov 11
Edwinton
says...
2:18pm Wed 2 Nov 11
ubauba
says...
2:50pm Wed 2 Nov 11
pete woodley
says...
3:12pm Wed 2 Nov 11
contric wrote:read my comments slowly and carefully,and sort it out yourself,i think its plain i have no time for protesters,who do not go about it the right way,or those who go on about the"ruling class",that comment reminds me of "left wing" agitators,which of course,you would not be ?.
peter woodley your first post is anti protesters your second post anti council which one is your true view anti peoplewho are robbing us ie local and national politicians or protestors who are highlighting the unfairness of the ruling class i favour the protestors whether i am right or wrong is another debate but you seem to have a foot in both camps which one do you support
derek_acorah
says...
3:18pm Wed 2 Nov 11
contric
says...
3:30pm Wed 2 Nov 11
pete woodley
says...
3:40pm Wed 2 Nov 11
contric wrote:I have tried to explain to you,but obviously you cant understand plain english.Ask your teacher, or parents.
which one peter pro council or the protestors easy question
contric
says...
4:01pm Wed 2 Nov 11
pete woodley
says...
4:08pm Wed 2 Nov 11
contric wrote:If you want to continue to fight,why dont you camp down at the town hall, or outside st pauls,if you did you might get my sympathies.
another silly comment that says more about you than it does about me whether i am right or wrong i will continue to fight for people who i consider are getting a raw deal
b26b
says...
4:43pm Wed 2 Nov 11
They have all my sympathies.
I wish I had the time and the balls to be frank to do this.
I hope eventually enough of us 99% wake up and really start holding our leaders to account, and not through the ballot box, because that hasn't worked at all.
With direct action!
karmicfabio
says...
4:48pm Wed 2 Nov 11
b26b
says...
4:52pm Wed 2 Nov 11
pete woodley wrote:Pete would you like to see a change?
contric wrote:If you want to continue to fight,why dont you camp down at the town hall, or outside st pauls,if you did you might get my sympathies.
another silly comment that says more about you than it does about me whether i am right or wrong i will continue to fight for people who i consider are getting a raw deal
Your previous post states you have had a go at Charon, Beesley and the like.
I Dont know you, so I Dont want to patronise.
You come across as the sort of guy who likes to make a difference.
Isn't this occupy camp a start?
Change for the masses has to start somewhere.
Unless you are contempt to see the status quo then great all is well!
However If you believe like a lot of people that we seem to be getting a bum deal then tell them, tell those who hold the purse strings what you think of them.
Its easy to say I guess and Im a hypocrite because I am not down there, Im mearly working all the hours just to keep my head above water.
But if its still going on in the next couple of days I will pop down, maybe donate a tent or some food!
karmicfabio
says...
4:53pm Wed 2 Nov 11
O'Really
says...
4:55pm Wed 2 Nov 11
see video here;
http://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=ywsqv-x1V
N8&feature=share
pete woodley
says...
5:47pm Wed 2 Nov 11
b26b wrote:b26b,i honestly cannot see what these protests can achieve,the majority of the public are not in support,its the old case "i am alright jack" the protest at st pauls,lost its momentum when the press gave out the figures of how many protesters were on the dole,how many went home,etc.It did indeed look like "rent a mob",and after the riots a lot of people did not want to know.If the protest is against the council,there are other ways of getting at them and councillors.Same for Banks.I obviously cant say what, on here,but first dont upset the press,find someone who knows how to deal with the press,local or national,in a pleasant manner,dont fill up your ranks with those who jump on the bandwagon for kicks,do not look like a gang of dossers,that does let protests down.Do not get children involved,that does upset many.You are right b26b,i could go on and on,but us oldies do not get appreciated for having our say,even when some of us have been fighting issues for over 50 years.Tired for now,back later.
pete woodley wrote:Pete would you like to see a change?
contric wrote:If you want to continue to fight,why dont you camp down at the town hall, or outside st pauls,if you did you might get my sympathies.
another silly comment that says more about you than it does about me whether i am right or wrong i will continue to fight for people who i consider are getting a raw deal
Your previous post states you have had a go at Charon, Beesley and the like.
I Dont know you, so I Dont want to patronise.
You come across as the sort of guy who likes to make a difference.
Isn't this occupy camp a start?
Change for the masses has to start somewhere.
Unless you are contempt to see the status quo then great all is well!
However If you believe like a lot of people that we seem to be getting a bum deal then tell them, tell those who hold the purse strings what you think of them.
Its easy to say I guess and Im a hypocrite because I am not down there, Im mearly working all the hours just to keep my head above water.
But if its still going on in the next couple of days I will pop down, maybe donate a tent or some food!
b26b
says...
11:26pm Wed 2 Nov 11
fair enough, I understand what you are saying protests like this always tend to to attract the student, anarchist types that's was ever thus.
However I think the subject matter this time is a lot different and I really hope that this gathers momentum to make people act.
I know the Arab spring was along different lines and possibly a unfair comparison.
The idea is the same thou, the 1% are not listening to our concerns.
We are told about the Big Society by David Cameron quite a lot, what a load of patronising rubbish!!
I wont be told by a millionaire about how we should be in a big society.
If he wants a big society then his society will show him just how big it really is.
We need momentum and the message to be spread further and wider.
Gone a bit off topic here.
I guess my point is we seem to have an opportunity to change the system as far as I can see.
Lets not waste it.
s-pb2
says...
11:57pm Wed 2 Nov 11
karmicfabio wrote:Im backing the council on this, because the Town Hall is not just used by handful of councillors. People who perform vital work for the poor and vulnerable in our community also work there. Also the town hall is used for weddings, and I cant see the wedding party due there on 4 November being too pleased with a bunch of taxdodgers outside ruining their big day. Im sure they will make their feelings known to the protestors!
THos of you who are backing the council to evict the occupations - Do you understand what the 99% occupy is? Do you realise that you are the 99%? Are you so sure about your job security and or self employment business will be still viable in 12 months time? Are you aware that Europe is on the brink of collapse with Greece now about to default on its loans? Do you realise that the very system your trying to defend is on the brink of collapse due to high finance fraud at the highest level and that soon the very stock brokers that you think you can rely on will loose faith in the whole monetary system?
ldc
says...
1:06am Thu 3 Nov 11
s-pb2 wrote:Your stereotyping of occupiers as tax dodgers is most laughable considering that is a reason some are occupying in protest at tax dodgers. People that perform vital work for the poor and vulnerable are sometimes occupying the camp. When I have visited the occupiers were in no way impeding on anything and are willing, indeed have requested the dates of future weddings so as not to ruin anyones big day. Don't blindly believe what you read and see in media - visit the camp yourself before making such huge assumptions. There is no graffiti as stated,it is clean & tidy, the fire is raised etc.. the council have lied about all the above - but hey no surprise.
karmicfabio wrote:Im backing the council on this, because the Town Hall is not just used by handful of councillors. People who perform vital work for the poor and vulnerable in our community also work there. Also the town hall is used for weddings, and I cant see the wedding party due there on 4 November being too pleased with a bunch of taxdodgers outside ruining their big day. Im sure they will make their feelings known to the protestors!
THos of you who are backing the council to evict the occupations - Do you understand what the 99% occupy is? Do you realise that you are the 99%? Are you so sure about your job security and or self employment business will be still viable in 12 months time? Are you aware that Europe is on the brink of collapse with Greece now about to default on its loans? Do you realise that the very system your trying to defend is on the brink of collapse due to high finance fraud at the highest level and that soon the very stock brokers that you think you can rely on will loose faith in the whole monetary system?
ldc
says...
1:06am Thu 3 Nov 11
s-pb2 wrote:Your stereotyping of occupiers as tax dodgers is most laughable considering that is a reason some are occupying in protest at tax dodgers. People that perform vital work for the poor and vulnerable are sometimes occupying the camp. When I have visited the occupiers were in no way impeding on anything and are willing, indeed have requested the dates of future weddings so as not to ruin anyones big day. Don't blindly believe what you read and see in media - visit the camp yourself before making such huge assumptions. There is no graffiti as stated,it is clean & tidy, the fire is raised etc.. the council have lied about all the above - but hey no surprise.
karmicfabio wrote:Im backing the council on this, because the Town Hall is not just used by handful of councillors. People who perform vital work for the poor and vulnerable in our community also work there. Also the town hall is used for weddings, and I cant see the wedding party due there on 4 November being too pleased with a bunch of taxdodgers outside ruining their big day. Im sure they will make their feelings known to the protestors!
THos of you who are backing the council to evict the occupations - Do you understand what the 99% occupy is? Do you realise that you are the 99%? Are you so sure about your job security and or self employment business will be still viable in 12 months time? Are you aware that Europe is on the brink of collapse with Greece now about to default on its loans? Do you realise that the very system your trying to defend is on the brink of collapse due to high finance fraud at the highest level and that soon the very stock brokers that you think you can rely on will loose faith in the whole monetary system?
fartycat
says...
7:34am Thu 3 Nov 11
” is a group of around 40 peaceful occupiers who have come together to occupy at Bournemouth Town Hall in protest at the current financial crisis and the unfairness of a system that hits the poorest hardest. We are one of nearly 1,000 similar occupations that are happening right across the world, all campaigning for a better world.
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I was very disappointed with Bournemouth Council’s recent press release (2nd Nov) and court application for eviction of our occupation.
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The council press release and court papers contain many inaccuracies and I wish to counter these mistakes. I am saddened that the Council have resorted to the courts before even trying to open a dialogue with us.
.
Several representatives of “OccupyBournemouth
” met with senior councillors, officers (including the chief executive Pam Donnellan) and Dorset Police on Monday 24th October at the Town Hall. At this meeting Occupy Bournemouth outlined what the group planned to do on Saturday 26th and they were explicit in explaining that they would be occupying on the grass outside the Town Hall using tents. This meeting was recorded just in case anyone from the council tries to be a bit revisionist as to what was said.
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The council are implying that they did not know about this occupation before it happened. For Cllr John Beesley, Deputy Leader of the Council, to now say “What started as a protest march on Saturday has now become an unauthorised occupation of public land” is totally incorrect. This protest never started out as a march and was never intended to be a march. The council knew this from the meeting on 24th several days before the protest and we explicitly did have both council and police consent for the demonstration.
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In their notice to begin court proceedings, the council allege that the “protesters were very unhelpful, not wishing to engage in any dialogue”. Nothing is further from the truth and I would urge the council to come and open a proper dialogue with the occupation immediately, if only to prevent taxpayer’s money being wasted on expensive legal costs in court. There was an agreed communication channel which the council failed to use. Instead they sent several officers to "spy" on the occupation, armed with clipboards and cameras. There was also a "no suprises" policy agreed by both occupiers and council from the meeting on 24th and again, the council have broken this agreement.
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The council notice further implies that the site is having an impact on access to council buildings for the general public and disabled visitors to the Town Hall. This is incorrect. “Occupy Bournemouth” has ensured that all paths and walkways around the site are kept free and that access to the Town Hall has been maintained.
.
The Council have also made a big issue over the use of the Town Hall for Weddings. “OccupyBournemouth
” have at all times cooperated with the council to ensure that our occupation does not disrupt weddings. The site is located on the right hand side of the Town Hall buildings with the main body of tents tucked behind the steps and down the embankment and does not intrude into the main entrance, used for wedding ceremonies. Again, the group would be happy to open a dialogue with the council about this issue to ensure that they do as much as they can to avoid disrupting weddings or other events.
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Perhaps more seriously, the council have made serious allegations that occupiers have caused graffiti and criminal damage to the site. Slogans have been displayed around the camp site but these are written onto various surfaces with chalk and can be easily washed off. Tape has also been used to create two slogans but again, this can be removed without causing damage to council signs or buildings. To allege that this amounts to criminal damage is pure exaggeration on the part of the council.
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The council have also complained about the occupation damaging the grass around the Town Hall and of the costs incurred to clear the site. The council are also complaining about a fire being lit in the main debating tent. The fire is the sole source of heating for the camp, is contained and raised off the ground to prevent damage to the grass. A fire extinguisher is kept next to the fire at all times.
Occupiers also get up at the crack of dawn everyday to help council staff pick litter around the site and ensure that the occupation is tidy.
Finally, let’s not forget the message of why we are here:
Kim, from OccupyBournemouth, said “I am one of the occupiers. I am a single WORKING mother fighting for my own, and for all our children's futures. Our children are saddled with debt. They had no part in the decision to bail out corrupt bankers made by corrupt politicians. We are supposed to leave a better world behind for our children and currently we are failing miserably. This is why I occupy.”
(PS Everyone at the occupation is very grateful for all support the camp is getting with many members of the public popping by for a chat and bringing items of food, clothing and camping equipment to help with the campaign. Thank you very much!)
0racle
says...
9:40am Thu 3 Nov 11
.
I also think bringing religion and nazis in to it is a cheap if not a very desperate comment.
.
I have lived in two E Ldn council estates years ago and the kids there wouldn't blink before robbing their own grandmothers.
ekimnoslen
says...
11:17am Thu 3 Nov 11
Might I suggest that the stock exchange now be classified as a casino and should pay gambling tax.
rook
says...
11:41am Thu 3 Nov 11
I hope the solution is not based on "99%" of Bournemouth's 168,000 population being about 50 people.
Anyway, show me a sensible alternative where everyone is better off and you have my vote at the next election.
O'Really
says...
12:19pm Thu 3 Nov 11
You make a good point.
I think that it's more about gathering the discontented majority at the moment.
It's about finding new ways, as the old ways are so broken.
So lots of discussion and debate.
~
99% - while not scientifically accurate - refers to the disparity between those at the top and the rest of us, rather than making claim to speak for everyone.
~
Personally, I think we need to get the big money out of politics, and get the people back in it.
A more participatory, active democracy, rather than a vote every 5 years for a bunch of very similar candidates, all backed by vested interest.
You'll find similar ideas down at the town hall, and online in the many websites and articles dedicated to the spontaneous occupy movement.
kls192
says...
3:16pm Thu 3 Nov 11
Dear Mr Woodley: Don't disagree with some of your points. However, the fact that you (and many others) have been actively campaigning for 50 years tells it own story. In the main, councils and govts have not listened. Perhaps that is why people are adopting different tactics
kls192
says...
3:16pm Thu 3 Nov 11
Dear Mr Woodley: Don't disagree with some of your points. However, the fact that you (and many others) have been actively campaigning for 50 years tells it own story. In the main, councils and govts have not listened. Perhaps that is why people are adopting different tactics
0racle
says...
3:53pm Thu 3 Nov 11
s-pb2
says...
5:14pm Thu 3 Nov 11
kls192
says...
7:01pm Thu 3 Nov 11
kls192
says...
7:27pm Thu 3 Nov 11
rook
says...
8:33pm Thu 3 Nov 11
O'Really wrote:Thankyou - Unfortunately, these protesters to me appear to be jealous of the few lucky people who make millions per month running big corporations, or more commonly kicking a football (why is it 'bankers' get the stick, not soccer players?).
rook,
You make a good point.
I think that it's more about gathering the discontented majority at the moment.
It's about finding new ways, as the old ways are so broken.
So lots of discussion and debate.
~
99% - while not scientifically accurate - refers to the disparity between those at the top and the rest of us, rather than making claim to speak for everyone.
~
Personally, I think we need to get the big money out of politics, and get the people back in it.
A more participatory, active democracy, rather than a vote every 5 years for a bunch of very similar candidates, all backed by vested interest.
You'll find similar ideas down at the town hall, and online in the many websites and articles dedicated to the spontaneous occupy movement.
I think the majority are actually OK with what we have. Many would like more and some selfish people just resent those who have more even though we are all far better off than we were even 10 years ago, let alone those of us who can remember the 60s and 70s, if not before.
Believe it or not, capitalism has given the opportunity for everyone to live far better lives than they otherwise would. How many people have that iPad, Audi, or bigger house than they can really afford because a bank has taken the risk of lending money to them? Is this new fairer system going to deny those things to everyone or is everyone going to be given everything they want for doing nothing? I suspect the utopian protesters would prefer the latter.
The starting point for eliminating capitalism would be for everyone to become debt-free, thereby eliminating the power of banks and corporates. However, that would involve working hard for several years and not buying any new 'stuff' until all credit cards, loans and mortgages are cleared. I can be fairly sure the majority do not want that.
I urge all you protesters to get together and find a workable solution to fix the current financial situation which you don't like and use the democratic process to get into power at the next election. No one could complain if things are done that way and it would be a solution that presumably only 'the 1%' would vote against.
I'm with you as long as you can explain how the new system will work.
mmm2008
says...
8:34pm Thu 3 Nov 11
kls192
says...
11:29pm Thu 3 Nov 11
kls192
says...
11:30pm Thu 3 Nov 11
Mike Pickering
says...
5:03am Fri 4 Nov 11
The value that we have, the wealth in real estate and bonds and deposits is fixed now; politics and commerce is forever going to be a game of redistribution, rather than a strategy of aligning and aggregating income streams, which the capitalist model of the last 50 years has been set up to produce. No coincidence that it has become more difficult to accumulate wealth and lock-in value the last few years during the recession; the ultra-wealthy have seen the bend in the road and upended the playing field; distorting the previous standards of equitability and concentrating money and then locking it in with the political power it buys. We're not even 'allowed' to protest on public land anymore ?
We ARE the public, we OWN the council and everything under it's jurisdiction.
H2o-hara
says...
8:59am Fri 4 Nov 11
pete woodley says...
12:06pm Wed 2 Nov 11