Dear Colleagues Yesterday saw Brent Council reach new depths of unlawful action. Not only were the current occupiers GRASS evicted without warning at 5.30 am having their tents ripped up and belongings snatched and being treated most roughly by the bailiff's people, but the businesses were also closed immediately, the building locked with no notice. Also, again unlawfully, the homeless people squatting in the houses, nothing to do with the protest, had their doors broken down and were thrown out onto the streets barely having time to dress without any legal notice that this was happening. The local press who were in attendance were also assaulted and were appalled at the treatment metered out particularly to the people in the houses. As many of you will know, the legal process demands people receive a date and time when they have to leave premises. We received such notices and so could take the necessary action when we were evicted. We are disgusted but not unduly surprised that Brent Council could act in this way. The businesses will be allowed a short time to go back in and collect their belongings but their businesses are gone. The sports field is surrounded by signs and patrolled by dogs. Already half the lower pitch has been allocated for the temporary school - despite promises of no ground being used. Some of you will think that this is the end. BUT FAR FROM IT. The key point to remember is that the final planning permission has not been granted. We still have a campaign. We will still harry and disrupt the work. Barn Hill residents are collecting funds to pay for a traffic consultant. Contact me if you want to give anything however small and I'll give you John Woods details. There are lots of things we can do to stop the final building. In the new core strategy development plan consultation for example Brent ironically says, 'In much of the inner part of Brent, as in so many other areas of Inner London that are distant from London’s major parks and open spaces, there is a deficiency of the green spaces that are essential to the quality of life and to a pleasant urban environment'. Let's use this. Please let us know of anything you think would be useful in the next phase of the campaign. Best wishes from tired but not downhearted Jean and HankWembley Park Action Group
