5th May 2010
This morning Bailiffs moved onto the site at St Webergh’s Bristol. Residents are resisting and at present there are still four people on site plus two Tripod sitters, one on the roof of the building and one on the gate. In a disturbing move however, bailiffs sre threatening to remove the tripod sitters and and people on the roof without climbing teams and special equiment, claiming that these are not necessary.
Location BS2 9SH:
Posted on Categories South West England, Squatting / Free Spaces / Protest Sites
Lifted from the Black Cat centre blog [blackcatcentre.blogspot.com]: “The Black Cat occupied community social centre is currently homed at the Lifted from the Black Cat centre blog [blackcatcentre.blogspot.com]: “The Black Cat occupied community social centre is currently homed at the Tuesdays, from 6.15-7.30pm, weekly free yoga classes are back on, so come Wednesday 5th May will present ‘Never Mind the Vote, Here’s the Folk’: an Saturday the 8th of May will feature the second incarnation of Madame And following on from that frivolity, but in no way lessened by it, will be Events at this current location will probably come to a close following this, as we are due in Bath County Court defending against Julian Richer’s possession claim on Friday the 7th May. C’est la vie love, rage and kitty litty” April 29, 2010 Newly-planted marram grass was ripped up, fences pulled down, diesel supplies polluted and two JCB diggers destroyed, causing an estimated £50,000 of damage. The damage was discovered on Monday. More than 1,000sqm of marram grass was ripped out of the ground at the 15th green, while 150 metres of fencing bordering the hole was also torn down. April 29, 2010 Newly-planted marram grass was ripped up, fences pulled down, diesel supplies polluted and two JCB diggers destroyed, causing an estimated £50,000 of damage. The damage was discovered on Monday. More than 1,000sqm of marram grass was ripped out of the ground at the 15th green, while 150 metres of fencing bordering the hole was also torn down. Just 24 hours before, vandals had targeted two heavy diggers at the site, cutting their wiring, removing batteries and pouring sand into the engines. About 3,000 litres of diesel were also destroyed when the fuel was mixed with what is thought to be sugar. The malicious assault is the latest evidence that the development is becoming increasingly unpopular. A poll published this week suggested Scots now oppose the scheme by two to one, despite claims it will boost tourism in the north-east and create thousands of new jobs. Mr Trump, also known as ‘The Donald’, first announced his plans to build the “world’s greatest golf course” in March 2006, but his proposal took more than two years to gain approval after it was furiously opposed by conservationists. Critics argue that the resort, which will include two championship golf courses, 950 holiday homes and 500 houses, will wreck rare sand dunes, which are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There are also concerns that Mr Trump will use compulsory purchase orders to force residents whose houses are in the way of his plans out of their homes. The attack comes less than two weeks after a fire spread across six acres of grass and dunes at the site. The blaze was blamed on a discarded barbecue. It is not known if the incident was a deliberate act. On Monday 26th April, people involved in the Rising Tide Network On Monday 26th April, people involved in the Rising Tide Network 18 People from Bristol and Bath are due in court on 10th May, charged Kim Green from Rising Tide (UK) said: “We are protesting the continued extraction and burning of fossil fuels Kim Green continues: “This action is also in support of the local people of Merthyr Tydfil The process by which Miller-Argent were able to get the go ahead to Miller Argent have been quick to pressure their small workforce into On the potential life sentence, a spokesperson for the 18 said: “We would not anticipate facing any such penalty as we took great care “This was a carefully planned action: hence it’s success. However, we All 18 have been bailed to appear at Merthyr Tydfill Magistrates Court *** Aberthaw Power Station is the biggest polluter in Wales. In 2006 it *** Miller Argent own and run Ffos-Y-Fran. Argent are in turn owned by Environmental campaign group, Plane Stupid, has deposited a large mound of manure outside the south London HQ of soft drink giant Red Bull. The move was prompted by the revelation that Red Bull has applied for planning permission to build an aerodrome opposite London City Airport. The company claims that the new control tower, runway and helipads would support its annual air race on the River Thames. But there are growing fears that the company is working with London City Airport and Newham Council to introduce a new heliport and permanent runway for private jets through the back door. ‘We believe Red Bull’s claim is bullsh*t and we’re telling them so,’ said spokeswoman Elizabeth Baines. ‘London City Airport is positioning itself a major hub for City executives,’ Elizabeth continued. ‘We suspect that Red Bull’s planning application is an underhand way of helping the airport to attract private jet and helicopter users. That way, they won’t have to deal with fierce opposition from people in East London who are sick and tired of the noise and pollution from the airport.’ London City Airport has been feeling the heat recently. Local campaign group Fight The Flights (FTF) has launched a High Court bid to stop the airport from expanding its flights volume by 50%. Six local councils have publicly supported FTF’s bid. The Greater London Assembly’s Environment Committee is also holding a probe into the effects of the expansion. ‘We insist that Newham council turns down this planning application. Red Bull may have high flying ideas but this time we think their wings should be clipped,’ Elsie added. ‘
For more information contact: April 25, 2010 Massive “Climate Action Now” Banner unfurled DELTA, BC, CANADA – GatewaySucks.org and the Council of Canadians (Delta/Richmond chapter) unfurled a massive banner today that reads “CLIMATE ACTION NOW” on land slated for freeway construction. April 25, 2010 Massive “Climate Action Now” Banner unfurled DELTA, BC, CANADA – GatewaySucks.org and the Council of Canadians (Delta/Richmond chapter) unfurled a massive banner today that reads “CLIMATE ACTION NOW” on land slated for freeway construction. The action took place at River Road and Centre Street in Delta. It coincides with the multi-faith Pilgrimage to Burns Bog, and is visible from the pilgrimage route across the Alex Fraser Bridge. Pilgrims and activists aim to raise awareness about Burns Bog, a large, carbon-sequestering peat bog also under threat from the SFPR freeway. “Our neighbours are being forced out of their homes, and ecosystems are being bulldozed,” says Delta resident Ernie Baatz. “Schools and programs are being cut across the province to pay for this climate changing freeway. We have to stand up to this appalling waste.” Baatz and fellow activists also planted trees at the site today, to highlight the area’s potential as a riverfront park, not a riverfront freeway. Although preparatory work has begun on some sections of the SFPR, no build contract is in place. A request for proposals was issued by the Ministry of Transportation in April 2009. Today’s action is part of a week of events dubbed “Earth Action Week” by GatewaySucks.org and the Council of Canadians (Delta/Richmond chapter). For the full list of events see www.gatewaysucks.org/earth-action-week-april-1826 Photographs are available at www.gatewaysucks.org/picture-links Follow www.twitter.com/gatewaysucks for updates For more information about the Pilgrimage to Burns Bog see www.pilgrimage2burnsbog.org >> Big shout out to UK roads activists past and present. You inspire us! <<
Update: Update: The 18 were held incomunicado for a portion of the time they were in the cells and were only allowed to phone out after 11.00 am yesterday. The house of one of those involved was raided by 8 police officers who spent 3 hours searching their home. The last person was released at 7.30 pm last night. All had bail conditions stipulating that they should not go on the railway without written permission – but we were allowed to catch the train home! The arrests were made by British Transport Police backed up by a large contingent of the South Wales police force. A helicopter was also used in the operation The cutting team removed the last blockader at 8.10 pm. after the line had been closed for over 8 hours. All 18 have been bailed to appear at Mythyr Tydfill Magistrates Court on 10th May at 10.00 am. ….. latest update is that absolutely every1 involved has been nicked up to about 17/18 people all told I reckon, including drivers, legal observers, etc. Vehicles believed to have also been impounded. 🙁 A second wave lock-on with more heavy duty gear believed to have attached themselves to track shortly after 1st wave cleared; all arrested later that aft/eve. The activists, part of the Bristol and Bath Rising Tide direct action group, reached the rail track at midday today, and phoned the security at the coal mine to warn them about the protest. Three of the activists then used chains and padlocks to lock themselves to the train tracks. Two of the activists went to a nearby vantage point where they could warn any approaching trains The activists also stretched a large banner across the line. Police arrived at around 2pm, and warned the activists that they would be arrested for trespassing and obstructing the train line. They arrested the activists not attached the train-line and began cutting through the padlocks at around 4pm. The last activist was taken away from the scene at 5.15pm. But a second group arrived and locked on further along the line. Police are now dealing with them. 27 April 3pm update: The police have released a statement saying a total of 18 people – 11 men and seven women – were arrested yesterday. The train line reopened at 8.10pm last night. ——- Bristol and Bath Rising Tide Stop Coal Train – Happening Now ! Please Call 07835366330 for on-site interviews and updates.
Kim Green from Rising Tide (UK) said: “We are protesting the continued extraction and burning of fossil fuels in the face of a global climate emergency. The failure of the Copenhagen climate talks to deal with this huge problem, and the obvious policy inadequacy the three main UK parties contesting the general election to take the necessary action to tackle the problem has highlighted the need for the people to take grass-roots direct action.” Kim Green continues: “This action is also in support of the local people of Merthyr Tydfil whose campaign ‘Residents Against Ffoss y Fran’ have been fighting the mine for over six years. The mine causes noise pollution for up to 16 hours a day, dust and dirt are carried into the town by the wind, and it turns the rain black.” The process by which Miller-Argent were able to get the go ahead to exploit this resource at the social cost of both the local and global community, highlighting the democratic deficit in the planning process, which takes in to consideration the social-environmental impact of such projects. The newly formed quango “The Planning Commission” will only make these things worse, being able to ignore any consideration in favour of profit. Miller Argent have been quick to pressure their small workforce into mobilising against local concerns – but their apparent concern for their workers is betrayed by the fact that they are actually looking to sell the mine as the quantity of high quality coal is only about as half as good as they initially believed. They are in fact making a loss on the project.
Notes To Editor: 1. Rising Tide is an international network of groups tackling the Root Causes of Climate Change and Climate Injustice. http://www.risingtide.org.uk/
2.Aberthaw Power Station is the biggest polluter in Wales. In 2006 it released 7.4. million tonnes of Co2. It is Projected to run until 2025 with NO PLANS to fit carbon capture storage (CCS) technology. 40% of the coal for the power station is supplied by Ffos y Fran. It was targeted by Bristol & Cardiff Rising Tide in 2008.
3.Miller Argent own and run Ffos Y fran. Argent are in turn owned by the BT Pensions Group. Both of these organisations make much of their ethical and sustainable practices But in this case they seem to be placing profits over and above any element of social responsibility. Bristol and Bath Rising Tide A bunch of heavies broke into the rampart social centre’s new location on 105 Globe Road tonight (friday, 23 April) at 10:30 pm. There were about 20 of us here watching films. The goons left, but said they wanted everyone out of building by 2 pm tomorrow. A bunch of heavies broke into the rampart social centre’s new location on 105 Globe Road tonight (friday, 23 April) at 10:30 pm. There were about 20 of us here watching films. The goons left, but said they wanted everyone out of building by 2 pm tomorrow. We invite everyone, and their cameras, to come down and join us to welcome them. Come down at noon. A bunch of heavies broke into the rampart social centre’s new location on 105 Globe Road tonight at 10:30 pm. There were about 20 of us here watching films. The goons left, but said they wanted everyone out of building by 2 pm tomorrow. We invite everyone, and their cameras, to come down and join us to welcome them. Come down at noon. rampart@mutualaid.org MASS ACTION CALL OUT When: Saturday, 15th May MASS ACTION CALL OUT When: Saturday, 15th May Shutting down a petrol station for 5 hours on a sunny Saturday afternoon was so much fun we’re going to do it again. Shell’s Hell – in the tar sands and beyond – is next in the firing line. Party 1 had Samba, twin sound systems, a live Ceilidh band, face-painting, free cakes and 200 people. Party 2 will be bigger and better, with activists joining us from Brighton, Oxford and beyond. And for all you cyclists out there, there will be a special Party at the Pumps Critical Mass making its way to the party. Meet 1PM at Marble Arch (under the arch). Get ready for sunshine, music, and dancing on the forecourt! Why target Shell? Party at the Pumps Part 2 is taking place just three days before Shell’s AGM, where the company will come under fire from shareholders over its plans in the Canadian tar sands; and a week before the Merthyr to Mayo solidarity bike ride, which will link two communities in Wales and Ireland resisting fossil fuel extraction. Party at the Pumps is in solidarity with communities around the world who are resisting Shell’s destruction of lives and livelihoods, poisoning of lands and waters, and fuelling of climate chaos. In Northern Canada, Shell’s tar sands projects are ignoring First Nations treaty rights, causing rare forms of cancer and killing wildlife (http://www.ienearth.org/tarsands.html). In Rossport, Ireland, a dangerous onshore pipeline and massive refinery are transforming an area of outstanding natural beauty into an environmental disaster zone with serious public health and safety implications (http://www.rossportsolidaritycamp.org). And in Nigeria, where Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight Ogoni colleagues were hung by the Nigerian state for campaigning against Shell’s devastation of the Niger Delta, resistance to Shell and Big Oil continues (http://www.remembersarowiwa.com). These struggles may be happening in distant places, but they are driven from Shell HQ. On May 15th, we bring the resistance to the heart of London. This action is jointly called by London Rising Tide/London Tar Sands Network and Climate Camp London. The Welsh Assembly Government is planning to slaughter thousands of badgers, in South West Wales,over the next five years as part of their “plan” to eradicate bovine TB. This despite all the evidence from previous culls that badgers do not contribute to the spread of the disease. Get directly involved in stopping the Welsh Assembly Government’s illegal and immoral slaughter of Welsh badgers. The Welsh Assembly Government is planning to slaughter thousands of badgers, in South West Wales,over the next five years as part of their “plan” to eradicate bovine TB. This despite all the evidence from previous culls that badgers do not contribute to the spread of the disease. Get directly involved in stopping the Welsh Assembly Government’s illegal and immoral slaughter of Welsh badgers. The five year slaughter, costing millions to the tax payer, is nothing more than a sop to the dairy farming industry which refuses to accept that its own bad practices and poor husbandry are causing the spread of the disease and is looking for a scapegoat. If this cull is deemed a success it may well be rolled out to the rest of the UK so it is important we act now to stop the wholesale slaughter of this harmless, native animal. Please contact us at: savethewelshbadger@googlemail.com if you wish to get directly involved in stopping the cull. For more information on the cull please see:upcoming events at the Black Cat occupied community social centre
former Porter Butt public house on London Road, Bath, opposite the E$$o
station and next door to Morrisons. We still have a lot of work to do,
cleaning and setting things up – volunteers always appreciated to the level
former Porter Butt public house on London Road, Bath, opposite the E$$o
station and next door to Morrisons. We still have a lot of work to do,
cleaning and setting things up – volunteers always appreciated to the level
of mad, overbearing puppy enthusiastic adoration, slobber and all (napkins
provided) – but already have a couple of events lined up:
soak up the authentic wood flooring and chilled late spring sunlight,
spiritual one-ness an’ all
evening of anti-folk, folk-rap & faux folk with ‘The Casual Terrorist’
(anarcho anti-folk from Newcastle), ‘Clayton Blizzard’ (Brizzle’s own chubby
guitar-wielding, wordsmith virtuoso), and ‘Madame Hatter’ (the Black Cat’s
own miss-fit, decadence plumbing, answer to a very silly question); running
from 7.30pm-11pm, £3 suggested donation entry (though no one turned away for
lack of funds), there will also be cheap vegan food, and a potential free CD
of one sort or another for every punter
Hatter’s ‘Scabrous Cabaret’, at 21.03 hours, free entry, a wide open stage
night for whatever performances people can bring, with DJish collaboration
from DJ Stoney Monster and DJ Beavis – dub/dancehall/Balkan beats: “Should
you be prudish puddings, freak frogs, vegan vultures, breakfast brutes and
funky fruits, bang poets or junk poets or even plain poets, blue cabbages
and pink trumpets, merry-go-round travellers or magic roundabout surfers and
hulla-hoop singers, studious students and naughty rodents, squatterpillars
or passers-by, funny flapping flowers or blooming butterflies, party people
or bursting bubbles, the usual crows and so many more if you’re hungry for
the encore, you are all invited to the new edition of Madame Hatter’s
scabrous cabaret for a night of sweet delirium open to all sorts of
performers, artists, poets, story-tellers… She’s slim and slimy and could easily break into your pipery, Beware of Madame Hatter coz’ of decadence she’s the plumber…”
the Bristol & Bath Rising Tide meeting – a campaigning group making a name
for itself taking direct action against the root causes of climate
injustice, from 7pm – all welcomeSabotage stopping Trump
CLIMATE PROTESTERS FACE LIFE SENTENCES AFTER COAL TRAIN BLOCKADE
literally put their necks on the line by blockading the railtrack which
carries coal from the controversial open-cast mine at Ffos-y-Fran in
Merthyr Tydfil to Aberthaw Power Station.
literally put their necks on the line by blockading the railtrack which
carries coal from the controversial open-cast mine at Ffos-y-Fran in
Merthyr Tydfil to Aberthaw Power Station. It took the combined efforts
of British Rail Police and South Wales Police over 8 hours to remove the
last of the protesters at 8.10pm on Monday evening.
under the Malicious Damages Act of 1861, a law to protect the interests
of 19th Century rail owners. If convicted they face anything up to a
life sentence in prison. The 18 People, who are part of the Rising Tide
(UK) Network were held for over 24 hours, and were only allowed to phone
out after 11.00 am yesterday (Tuesday). The house of one of those
involved was raided by 8 police officers who spent 3 hours searching
their home.
in the face of a global climate emergency. The failure of the Copenhagen
climate talks to deal with this huge problem, and the obvious policy
inadequacy the three main UK parties contesting the general election to
take the necessary action to tackle the problem has highlighted the need
for the people to take grass-roots direct action.”
whose campaign ‘Residents Against Ffos-y-Fran’ has been fighting the
mine for over six years. The mine causes noise pollution for up to 16
hours a day, dust and dirt are carried into the town by the wind, and it
turns the rain black.”
exploit this resource at the social cost of both the local and global
community failed to take into consideration the social-environmental
impact of such projects, highlighting the democratic deficit in the
planning process. The newly formed quango “The Planning Commission” will
only make these things worse, being able to ignore any consideration in
favour of profit.
mobilising against local concerns – but their apparent concern for their
workers is betrayed by the fact that they are actually looking to sell
the mine as there is only half the quantity of high quality coal as they
initially believed. They are in fact making a loss on the project.
to ensure the safety of all taking part and had made certain that the
coal train would not leave the loading area before the line was blocked.”
admit that it was a drastic course of action but even this barely
matches the climate crisis we will face if much more radical measures
are not taken now.”
on 10th May at 10.00 am.
released 7.4. million tonnes of Co2. It is Projected to run until 2025
with NO PLANS to fit carbon capture storage (CCS) technology. 40% of the
coal for the power station is supplied by Ffos-Y-Fran. It was targeted
by Bristol & Cardiff Rising Tide in 2008.
the BT Pensions Group. Both of these organisations make much of their
ethical and sustainable practices. But in this case they seem to be
placing profits over and above any element of social responsibility.Plane Stupid targets Red Bullshit
Environmental campaign group, Plane Stupid, has deposited a large mound of manure outside the south London HQ of soft drink giant Red Bull. Three activists, dressed as ‘avenging air hostesses’ in wigs and mini-dresses the same colour as the company’s logo, crowned the mound with placards reading: ‘Red Bull-sh*t’, ‘Red Bull gives you (plane) wings’ and ‘No second runway by stealth.’
Leo Murray: 07595 506673
Nancy Birch: 07506 006597 Massive “Climate Action Now” Banner unfurled
Historic homes are being demolished, and ancient indigenous sites are under threat from the South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) project here on the Fraser River bank. The est. $2 billion SFPR is part of the controversial Gateway program, which would greatly increase greenhouse gas emissions in BC.Bristol and Bath Rising Tide Blockade Merthyr to Aberthaw Coal Train – update
18 people were arrested and some held for over 24 hours at Ystrad Mynach police station before being charged a with:
An unlawful act with intent to obstruct the railway under the Malicious Damages Act of 1861.
18 people were arrested and some held for over 24 hours at Ystrad Mynach police station before being charged a with:
An unlawful act with intent to obstruct the railway under the Malicious Damages Act of 1861.
This Victorian law designed to protect the interests of rail owners has a mximum penalty of life. We would not anticipate facing any such penalty as we took great care to ensure the safety of all taking part and had made certain that the coal train would not leave the loading area before the line was blocked.
Alternative number (off site): 07909172768
info@risingtide.org.uk
http://www.risingtide.org.uk heavies sent in to rampart at globe road — join us tomorrow at noon.
PARTY AT THE PUMPS PART 2… THIS TIME IT’S SHELL!
Meet: 1PM at Oxford Circus
Bring: a zone 1-2 tube pass, noisemakers, your friends & family and your
dancing shoes
Oxford Circus meeting point map: http://tinyurl.com/OCnw-SVmap
Meet: 1PM at Oxford Circus
Bring: a zone 1-2 tube pass, noisemakers, your friends & family and your
dancing shoes
Oxford Circus meeting point map: http://tinyurl.com/OCnw-SVmap
See here for a video of Party at the Pumps Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An6-tdxd12M
http://www.no-tar-sands.org
http://www.risingtide.org.uk
http://www.climatecamp.org.uk/londonPeople Needed to Stop the Slaughter – Save the Welsh Badgers
http://www.badger-killers.co.uk/
http://www.pembrokeshireagainstthecull.org.uk/
http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/CAMPAIGNS/wildlife//2283/