News / easton
Squatters occupy house in protest of family’s eviction
Squatters are occupying a house which saw a mother forced from her home in an eviction in autumn.
Despite ACORN campaigners’ attempt to block bailiffs from the National Eviction Team, Ruth Nestor and her two children were turned out of their home Easton in October.
Richard Long and Co administered the eviction following a confiscation order, relating to a court order in 2012. The insolvency practitioners are aware the property is being occupied.
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Activists from Bristol Housing Action Movement (BHAM) moved into 54 Robertson Road on November 26 and banners and placards have been plastered to house’s exterior and the door barricaded.
According to Bristol Anarchist Federation, Nestor, who is in emergency council-funded accommodation, supports the occupation and re-entered the property.
BHAM, which describes itself a group of squatters, homeless people, and housing activists, said in a report the home has been left “an absolute tip”, with bailiffs taking medication, clothes and leaving furniture damaged.
Bailiffs arrived at the house shortly after the two children had left for school on October 19, knocking down the door to get to the mother, Nestor, who was in her bed at the time – photo: Mia Vines Booth
At the time of the court order, Nestor was charged under the Social Security Administration Act 10 years ago and lost her council house as a result.
Richard Long and Co say she “failed to pay the costs order made against her,” but this is disputed by Nestor who claimed she has not missed a payment.
On the day of the eviction, Ruth told Bristol24/7 she had not received any letters or warning, saying: “As soon as my children have left for school they have come. All I felt was my house shaking and banging. I’ve got a damaged spinal cord. I suffer chronic persistent pain, I’ve got a disability and I’m a vulnerable adult.”
A sign has been attached to the front door of the house – photo: Betty Woolerton
Squatting in residential buildings is illegal and it can lead to six months in prison, a £5,000 fine or both under Section 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
BHAM members claimed this does not apply as it is a “political occupation” as they said they are not permanently living in the building and are there in protest.
A legal notice attached to the front door said: “Nobody will be, or intent to be living in the property. The property will be permanently occupied on a rota, with people being replaced at least every twelve hours. Everyone involved in the protest has secure housing elsewhere, and that is where they live.”
The noice refers to the case of R v Dirk Duputell where the defendant was found in a residential property with his limbs super-glued around a wooden beam and was acquitted after an appeal as there was insufficient evidence of actual residential occupation.
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
Read next:
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- Huge community turnout prevents family from being evicted
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