Mug sale helps PRSC pay court fees over Tesco fight
A COMMUNITY group held a night of fundraising to pay off the court fees incurred in their legal challenge against Tesco in Cheltenham Road.
Almost a year after the riots in which the Tesco Express store was ransacked, The People's Republic of Stokes Croft (PRSC) managed to raise £1,800 by selling mugs printed with the words "I paid the fine".
The fees – which total £2,500 – were incurred when the PRSC unsuccessfully attempted to take Bristol City Council to court over the decision to allow a Tesco Express store last year.
Chris Chalkly, PRSC chairman, invited the public to chose from one of a pyramid of mugs at an event in his Jamaica Street Gallaries where 12 buyers won exclusive Banksy prints commemorating the disturbances.
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He said: "This is a method by which the community can pay for a fine accrued by one person.
"The mug is made here in Stokes Croft so it's local. We are adhering to the principals which the No Tesco campaign was born from. It's the right way to pay this fine off."
Gus Hoyte, Bristol Green Party Councillor for Ashley ward, bought one of the mugs. He said: "I think it's a good example of how Stokes Croft works.
"Rather than apply to someone with a lot of money or seek donors they are asking the community to buy something produced here. It's also something practical people can take home which will remind them of what happened here."
This weekend will mark one year since the riots. The Tesco store suffered extensive damage during a night of disturbances which saw protesters clash with police on April 21. Since then the store has reopened and has been trading normally.
The £700 in outstanding fees owed by the PRSC to Bristol City Council will be raised through the sale of the remaining 100 limited edition mugs online.
Comments
by SpinyHedgehog
Monday, April 16 2012, 8:33PM
“I ask again, were the mugs made on Stokes Croft or just painted there?”
by ceembee
Monday, April 16 2012, 8:25PM
“Well local councillor buys mug - looking for votes no doubt but he does not seem to appreciate that most of us locals have no sympathy with PRSC so this investment likely to see no return especially as it appears PRSC members don't live locally.”
by Bristolexpat
Monday, April 16 2012, 6:35PM
“I doubt much of this money goes towards the poor sod who took the fine on behalf of the PRSC......................unless that person was Chris Chalky of course!!
That could explain why he was so keen to set up a charity fund raiser I suppose...”
by John_Name
Monday, April 16 2012, 1:55PM
“Has anyone ever seen the mini-me squatting under Chalkley's beanie-hat?”
by DockLobster
Monday, April 16 2012, 10:10AM
“The only mugs on Stokes Croft are those that follow Mr Chalkely...”
by SpinyHedgehog
Monday, April 16 2012, 9:57AM
“When they say 'the mugs were made in Stokes Croft', do they mean that they were baked there or just painted there?”
by Bristoldjsuk
Monday, April 16 2012, 8:23AM
“Haha @ Curtis...
Yes very much so. And the majority of people who bought them will probably not be local at all, but in fact are the sort of people who find it very trendy to be protesting. They aren't really sure what they are protesting against or who they are fighting for, but it feels good none the less.”
by CurtisHewitt
Monday, April 16 2012, 8:10AM
“If a 'limited edition' item doesn't sell out, doesn't it then become a 'limited demand' item?”