So, its been one whole week since the builders came and literally took the roof from over our heads at 118.. bastards. And today, the 5-0 paid a visit to evict us for ‘criminal damage’ - i.e. fixing up some of the many broken bits of house with materials we found there… only to find we abandoned the place, as it was totally unlivable (they must have been so disappointed). As such, we are currently on the lookout for a new squat, but also some more squatters! As people have moved onto pastures new, we are short of a few heads to crack a new place, which is where you could help us out. As it is, there are only 2 or 3 of us actively scoping for a new place, and in reality that just isn’t enough people to hold down a new squat, at least in the ever-precarious first few weeks.

There’s been doors taped on a few likely looking places in South Manchester, and we’ve spied a few boarded up front doors that are also worth a look. SO, if anybody has knowledge of any abandoned houses that aren’t completely destroyed, then please please get in touch, especially if you are needing somewhere to stay for a while (I’ve been sleeping on a floor in a shared room all week, its not great!).

If you’re game, email dickensonroadsquatters@gmail.com or alternatively find Jimmy Dread (thats me!) on facebook. After messaging please be patient, internet is something of a rare luxury when you’re living out of a bag…

over and out, peace

xxx

Builders arrived today (20th August) and began putting scaffolding up in preparation for fixing the roof as warned by the landlord on the 17th. After calling the police and a number of solicitors, the only advice we got was to call Shelter. Shelter told the occupiers/squatters that they have to go down to the office to sign up - but as it is important they stay in the property to ensure the legitimacy of the section 6 this cannot happen. Both police and solicitors said - because no damage to the property has been done, they have no reason or jurisdiction to actually stop the work -this puts occupiers between a rock and a hard place. The main issue here is that the occupants of 118 have not been consulted about this ‘repair work’ and work has gone ahead regardless. If the roof is removed it will be dangerous for the occupants and a violation of section 6 - More importantly they will be without a home. If anyone has any advice , please get in touch. More updates will be posted soon.

If anybody else has numbers to send it would be really useful. Thanks for reading and following. X

Re-blogg and circulate….

Dickenson Rd and the surrounding area has been host to a number of squats in the last year. Some of which have been ‘legally’ evicted after one or more court appearances, and others are being occupied.  These houses have played a central role in housing those who cannot afford to pay rapidly increasing rent payments, those who simply object to the principle of property and rent, or both.

118 Dickenson Rd has been sitting derelict for upwards of 6 years, becoming an eye saw to the community as well as attracting unwanted attention from individuals and groups who may intent to cause trouble. Around 6 weeks ago the property was occupied with the intention of making a habitable home out of a shell of a building. Since the locks were changed and the Section 6 was posted massive renovations have taken place inside and outside the property, from re-glazing broken windows to huge clean up of rubble left by previous occupiers.

After visit by the housing association employees who represent the owner of the property on the on the 16^th August, the occupants of 118 had to talk down officers from the Greater Manchester Police Force who thought they could bully their way in and bully the squatters out (disregarding the law they claim to protect). After the police and housing association presumably consulted superiors (as it was quite clear they did not have any knowledge whatsoever of squatting laws themselves) both parties left without saying a word. It seemed like there would be no word again from the landlord until court papers were posted.

However…. on the 17^th of August the land lord showed up began hurling abuse at the occupiers and then threw a brick through one of the windows on the side of the door before promptly fleeing the scene. This act is a breach of the Section 6 so occupiers rang the police. The G.M.P. promptly showed up and instantly wielded a battering ram at the front door, shouting statements such as “it’s his house he can do what he wants” and “pah squatters don’t have rights”. This just strengthening the argument that the law enforcement agencies have no knowledge whatsoever of the law they are employed to protect as out of 3 cars and a vans worth of police not one of them knew squatting was a civil matter.

As the landlord has declared he will return in two or three days (of the 17^th) and we obviously cannot trust the police to protect our rights as they only seem to care about the property owning classes, we must mobilise a group who will act as witnesses, and help prevent the landlord illegally evicting the squatters from their home.  You don’t have to be a squatter to be actively involved in the struggle!!

If you wish to be on the text/email list to help prevent illegal eviction of the property message your number over tumblr or email to dickensonroadsquatters@gmail.com

Thanks for reading….

                        YA BASTA!

                                            X X X

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