Occupy Sheffield continues, but not under canvas
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Version 0 of 1. The longest-lasting of the north's Occupy protests has packed its tents in Sheffield in the face of crushing legal costs over potential eviction from Cathedral Square. Celebrations of the sturdy protest - "The snow has been fun," say its doughty veterans – were held over the weekend and those who took part are concerned to emphasise that the movement doesn't actually need encampments to exist. Occupy Sheffield's general assembly says: On Monday 13 February, the occupation on Cathedral Square will be gone, but Occupy Sheffield will continue. The threat of over £100,000 of High Court costs, and the Cathedral's answer to peaceful, public protest as eviction has made the decision easier. Similar decisions have been taken elsewhere, as the<em> Guardian</em> and <em>Observer</em> reported yesterday. The future of the biggest and most eye-catching in the UK, outside St Paul's Cathedral in London, is also in doubt. The Sheffield protesters head for the warmth in good heart, with ample evidence of much wider public support, or at the least uneasiness, about the way so much of the City of London has interpreted capitalism. Occupy Sheffield says: Our stand against excessive greed and corruption of our democracy continues. Since November 5th, thousands of people have come to show their support for the camp in many ways. Thank you Sheffield. Occupy is a global movement, manifesting itself in the heart of this city with a occupied space that has been a mission for fairness, a sentry point for justice and an outpost for compassion. But we are more than the sum of our parts; more than tents and sleeping bags. We will continue this process with events, and build on discussions with peaceful direct action. <br />This means that, following the parade and public cabaret at the weekend, daily meetings will continue, with public general assemblies at 6.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 3pm on Saturdays at the Citadel of Hope, the former Salvation Army citadel on Cross Burgess Street. The imposing building was squatted over the Christmas holiday and Occupy have a temporary agreement with the landlord, sharing the grand old place with performers from The Invisible Circus. The assemblies are also discussing returning to open-air street meetings when Spring comes. Their website is here with feeds from Facebook and and Twitter @OccupySheffield and @Citadel_of_Hope. |