12 March 2009
Earlier this morning there was a minor fire in the derelict part of the block on Rampart Street. After the fire had been put out, several men knocked on the door at RampARTS, claiming to be from the fire brigade. After they had gained entry under this false pretense, they were revealed to be agents of the owner of the building. The proceeded to call the police and evicted the person inside. Without bothering to ascertain that there were no more people in the house, they started to board up the building, placing security personnel at the doors. In the meantime some people managed to climb back into the building, carrying on with the successful occupation. About 30 people are outside and are asking for everyone to join them and show their support for this community.
The eviction comes 20 days before the G20 hits London, on a day were one of several related events was announced for rampART. The Social Centre had also announced to keep the doors open during the G20.
++ 15:00 ++
Security dragged on person out of house number 7 and beat him up. Police have withdrawn, but firebrigade is there.
People are still inside rampART, and are calling for support to defend it from being boarded up.
++ 16:00 ++
Eviction has been successfully prevented.
Securities are still next door, there are fewer people at rampART, and still calling for more people to come, as they want to retain a strong presence.
WE NEED MORE NUMBERS.
Ramparts has been an amazing community and political activity centre for a few years. There was an eviction order which ran out after the owner failed to act for 6 months. nevertheless, today’s events threaten to take Ramparts away once again, and for good. we need support NOW.
rampART
15 -17 Rampart Street, London E1 2LA (near Whitechapel, off Commercial Rd)
rampart[at]mutualaid.org
07050 618445
rampART | rampART MySpace |