Squatters set to be evicted from Old City buildings

Police have asked squatters occupying several buildings in the Old City to leave after being granted a closure order by magistrates.

If the properties are not vacated, “further proportionate and necessary action” will be taken to ensure the court order is adhered to, said Avon & Somerset Police superintendent Mark Runacres.

The closure order relates to numbers 39-40, 45 and 46 High Street opposite Castle Park, one of which has been turned into a ‘radical library and book exchange’.

It comes after nearby residents have reported anti-social behaviour, and a business owner says that his shop has been “totally destroyed” with damage estimated at £10,000.

Newly elected police & crime commissioner, Mark Shelford, said that “this ongoing issue has had a detrimental effect on local people, local businesses and the wider community and this cannot continue”.

He added: “The damage, intimidation and violence that has happened is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

A group of people had gathered on the pavement outside one of occupied buildings on Thursday afternoon – photo: Martin Booth

Runacres said: “We’re utilising the powers available to us under ASB (anti-social behaviour) legislation because the ongoing severe and detrimental impact on local business owners and residents is abundantly clear and cannot continue.

“We’re committed to tackling ASB in all its forms and believe taking this action is the only way we can proportionately and effectively resolve this ongoing issue for the safety and welfare of those living and working in the area.

“Through our extensive engagement and consultation on this matter, numerous people have described this area as a ‘no go zone’ and this is hugely concerning. An escalation of ASB in recent weeks cannot be tolerated and shows no signs of abating…

“We’re now giving people living within the properties adequate time to leave of their own accord, and officers have already made attempts to engage with them.

“We’re working closely with the local authority and a local charity to provide support for any housing needs.

“If the properties are not vacated we will be taking further proportionate and necessary action to ensure the court order is adhered to.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPp5AvtjxUp/

On Thursday morning, @40aspace posted the following statement on Instagram:

“Good morning Bristol. We are in court at the moment for claims of breaking antisocial behaviour laws. If it gets passed the police will be given the powers to raid us and arrest us for being inside. It’s ironic that they are accusing a social centre of being anti social, some would say the state repression and social cleansing that is being experienced by some of the most vulnerable in our society is an inhumane and tragic example of fascist powers growing stronger. we are proudly anti state and we refuse to back down in the heat of the oppressive government and puppet pig class. Stay tuned in for eviction news and our future movements. Thank every single one of you for supporting us, joining us for a cuppa or a good ol’ chin wag. It’s been short and sweet, but it’s only the beginning.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

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