Squatters Illegally Evicted From Pub in Cheltenham

[Gerrard Winstanley]

 Squatters Illegally Evicted From Abandoned Pub in Cheltenham

Cheltenham Squatter | 18.07.2008 14:23 | Free Spaces
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/07/404056.html

On July 17th at 14.00 squatters were illegally evicted from the Duke
of York Inn, 315-317 London Road, Cheltenham, GL52 6YY.

The squatters had gained entry on the 15th July through an open window
after being informed by local residents that the pub was accessible
without causing any damage.

They spent the next two days securing the squat, cleaning filth from
the pub area, repairing fixtures, furniture and fittings and repairing
damage caused by vandals including cleaning graffiti from the walls.
The intention of the squatters was to turn the pub into a community
arts centre, providing space for local people to meet, converse and
express themselves freely.

However, after assumedly being informed by the police that the pub was
being occupied, local property developer James Deacon decided to send
some of his workers in, armed with sledgehammers and a chainsaw. They
began to forcibly gain access to the property using the aforementioned
tools. Due to the noise the squatters became aware of what was
happening and tried to vacate the property. Their escape was hampered
by the workers then using the tools to threaten the squatters,
including a 19 year old girl who was backed into a corner with the
running chainsaw, despite assurances that they were leaving.

After the squatters left the property they were then followed around
the local area by Mr Deacon's workers in vans, forcing them to beg for
sanctuary in the homes of local residents, eventually escaping in the
car of a local "good Samaritan" who was chased by the workers in vans
for four miles before finally losing their pursuers.

Mr Deacon wants to convert the property into three houses and seven
new flats, adding to congestion and overcrowding in the area, a
project which has raised many objection s from local residents. To
register your objections you can email Cheltenham Borough council at 
builtenvironment at cheltenham.gov.uk .