[diggers350] Diggers face eviction - press statement

[BEBBS at MCR1.poptel.org.uk]

FAXED BY SIMON BEBBINGTON, 0378 307636

DICTATED AT 12.15pm ON 13 APRIL 1999

DIGGERS FACE EVICTION

The Diggers today lost a court hearing for a possession order for the site they occupy on Saint George's Hill. The master said that Friday was the earliest date he would allow any eviction, although landowner North Surrey Water had asked for immediate possession.

The Diggers' occupation has been a major victory in the on-going battle for statutary public access to Saint George's Hill. The fight will now go on a pace until democracy triumphs over the power of money.

The ball is now firmly in the court of the so-called residents' association to bow to the overwhelming public pressure for public access to historic Saint Georges Hill and to desist in their plan to seal off the hill from the ordinary folk or Surrey and turn it into a super-exclusive millionaires' playground.

The residents association attended hearing although they were not party to the proceedings.

In all likelihood the Diggers will be leaving in a better condition than they found it before the first possible eviction date.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Eviction notice -- The originating summons was served at 7.15am on Thursday 8th April by agents for the North Surrey Water Company, whose land the Diggers are allegedly occupying. It was heard in the Chancery Division of the High Court in The Strand on Tuesday 13th April at 10.15am by Master Muncaster. 

Camp contacts: Tony Gosling or Annie Merry 0961 460171.

Background info: www.tlio.demon.co.uk/diggers.htm or www.oneworld.org/tlio

ENDS




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