‘Grow Heathrow’ Eviction Threat! Our support needed

by | Aug 24, 2010

The beautifully tended squatted community garden in Sipson, Heathrow has been served a court summons for eviction.

On the 1st of March this year the neglected plot on the planned site of the third runway was reclaimed, and for the last six months the Transition Heathrow team have worked with residents to rejuvenate, nay transform, the former market garden. They have shifted over 30 tonnes of rubbish from the site and set it to growing seasonal food, hosting workshops, teaching permaculture skills and even laying on a banquet for eighty people!

This ‘Grow Heathrow‘ project is part of a budding land movement in the UK linking communities who are taking back control of our food production, as well, of course, as supporting the successful No Third Runway campaign.

Their work in building resilience into the community is a great example of developing alternatives to the dominant system which is hurling us all towards environmental (and economic) catastrophe.

They are in negotiations with the landowners for long-term community ownership, but in the meantime they need our support. They ask for three things:

1. Sign their petition

2. Email them at info@transitionheathrow.com with a supportive testimony for the project

3. Attend their court date and show solidarity: 2nd of September in Uxbridge County Court at 11am

Also email info@transitionheathrow.com if you have any skills, ideas or experience to contribute in resisting this threat.

Spread the word.

Light bulbs will not save us

Edit – 27 Aug – Indymedia have posted an excellent article on the situation

Edit – 2 Sept – Eviction adjourned as local MP and residents defend site, and Deputy District Judge rules that higher authority is needed to rule on the case. More details + video here.

Edit – 23 Jan 2011 – Next court date set for November 2011 – the next ten months are assured! More information here.

1 Comment

  1. James Samuel

    If I can make a suggestion, it would be to research common law, where helpful distinctions are made between what is legal and what is lawful.

    If this effort responds to the legal tactics that are issued by those who believe in, and may even be members of, the law society then the project is almost certainly doomed.

    If on the other hand, with appropriate support from people versed in common law, the responses come from an informed place, where what is lawful is understood, then I suggest they may stand a chance.

    Reply

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