Bailiffs sent to evict Bristol squatters at Jesters Comedy Club
Bailiffs were today sent to evict squatters who took over a former Bristol comedy club in protest at plans to turn it into a Tesco supermarket.
This morning bailiffs visited the site of the former Jesters Comedy Club in Cheltenham Road, Stokes Croft, to evict squatters who are protesting on the roof of the building.
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Tesco protest
Last week at a hearing at Bristol County Court, a repossession order was granted to Tesco.
Squatters first moved in at the start of February, putting up a sign that read: "Tesco – Every little hurts."
The Evening Post understands that bailiffs first visited the site at 9am and promised to return later in the day with ladders to remove the five people who have camped out on the roof.
One of a large group of supporters who stood outside the former comedy club was joint campaign co-ordinator Claire Milne, 33.
She the Bristol Evening Post: "Bailiffs visited today to remove people using the space to put on events for the community. We conducted a door-to-door survey of local people and 96 per cent said they don't want a Tesco.
"This is an amazing space that is used for English lessons, community meals, bingo, film nights, live music and poetry nights. It's a great example of how the community should be.
"Nobody wants to go against the law, but we've been given no choice. Our voices cannot be heard. We have no option but to peacefully make a stand."
Another member of the group, 32-year-old Billy Salisbury said: "We don't need a Tesco here. We have got three Tescos within a mile and 14 within two miles. There are lots of things we do need in this community, but another Tesco is not one of them.
"There has been no meaningful consultation. Yes we want it developed, but not into a Tesco."
Since the squatting group have occupied the building, they have been using it and offering it as a community space, for concerts, meals and other events.
There has been a large amount of local opposition to the decision to change the use of the club to a supermarket, and residents have claimed that there was a lack of community consultation.
Last month dozens of people marched along Cheltenham Road to show their support for the squatters and their opposition to Tesco.
54 Comments
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by thepeaguy, Bedminster, Bristol
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 11:24PM
“I applaud the jobless squatters who won't pay taxes to a facist government. We have plenty of supermarkets and we don't need another one.”
by Morph, Bristol
Thursday, March 11 2010, 8:26PM
“Why let reality get in the way of rabid prejudice, eh Bill.
Seems the trolls are out in force.
One more time and all together now.... How about actually speaking to the people involved for yourself, and therefore getting an informed opinion rather than descending into mindless ranting based on insults and misinformation.”
by I H8 SQUATTERS, Stokes Croft, Bristol
Thursday, March 11 2010, 4:39PM
“Very, very annoying ppl. Do they actually think that anybody outside of their small group of wasters actually cares about what they have to say? Nobody gives one. The shops round here are all dirty holes anyway - they're too expensive & sell no fresh food. As for the squatters, shut the hell up you bunch of idiots. You're annoying everyone nearby the squat with your rubbish music & tatty tents on top of that roof. Grow up & do something useful. I can't work in my room anymore because that lot are playing msuic all the time at a really high volume. Can't wait til bali*** throw them off roof. If nothing's done soon, might take matters into my hands. Squatters, you've been warned!!!”
by Bill, Cheltenham Road, Bristol
Thursday, March 11 2010, 4:31PM
“Can't wait for them to get chcuked off premises now. At the start I was all for it - I think there are to many Tesco's in this area. But then I experienced what the squatters were like. A bunch of idiots in combat trousers with Anarchy tatoos. They played loud music from loudspeakers til 2 in the morning last night. I loved it when everyone whol lives nearby started shouting out of their windows to shut up. I now welcome Tescos just to get rid of these layabouts. They're not helping the community at all, they've becomng a major nuisance & the majority of ppl. on this site agree with me”
by Nikita, Bristol
Thursday, March 11 2010, 3:18PM
“I get fed up of some of these so called freedom fighters. They've completely messed up the path and it looks like a bunch of HoBos have taken over. I'd be surprised if any of them have jobs. I'd love to go out campaigning but I have to work. The space would be great for lessons and community meetings, has someone put in a bid to rent or purchase the building other than Tescos? If this was a Sainsburys would people still moan? what about when lots of Sainsburys start popping up everywhere? oh but they have.
I am being harsh!, as I am sure these freedom fighters would not like reaping the benefits of the community, increased taxes pay for.”