As we write a standoff is playing itself out on the streets of Brighton as sweating police and bailiffs scratch their meaty chins and wonder what to do as for the first in years people are refusing to go quietly from their home. The space was opened up for the Days of Direct action for Autonomous Spaces on the 11th and 12th of April.
For the last month, the derelict abandoned Methodist church on the London Road, Brighton has been used for the first time in years by the community as people have held workshops, film screenings, free food, hosted bands and opened the large space for free to any event that needs it................ Almost what church halls were supposed to do!
However, despite attempts to contact the Methodists and ask them to honor their pledge to support "community development for justice, especially among the most deprived and poor" The space received its court papers on the 2nd of May.
Barricaded in (actually to the point where there are no doors left), "Locked on" and hung with banners police and bailiffs are trying without success to gain access. The occupiers are refusing to move. A crowd has gathered in support outside as people wonder what the powers of law and orders next move will be...supply's are being hoisted in from supporters by basket as the "siege of London Road" looks set to continue.....Watch this space for further reports.
Check out  http://www.myspace.com/88londonroadsquat for more details.