Looking out

For those interested in the continuing occupation by homeless people of an old garage in Oxford:
 
On Thursday the college that owns the site issued a conciliatory statement (extracts below).

Wadham College is profoundly sympathetic to the plight of homeless people in and around Oxford. The College … has been raising money to support a variety of local homeless groups for many years. However … we purchased the Iffley Road site to provide a home for … students, many of whom find the cost of living in public rented accommodation in Oxford prohibitive.  … As part of that process the College will be contributing over £900,000 towards affordable housing in the Oxford area. … The pre-demolition process for this site is set to begin at the end of February 2017 in order for demolition to start in March.
 
The ground floor of the property is currently let to The Midcounties Co-operative Investments Ltd who we understand are taking steps to recover possession. We are seeking to establish a constructive dialogue with all of the interested parties. We have met with representatives of the Iffley Open House and are working to reach a consensus on how best to resolve this matter. The College would prefer to resolve the situation amicably.
 
On Friday the Midcounties Cooperative launched a claim of trespass in Oxford County Court. The judge adjourned the case for a week to enable the parties to find an amicable solution.
 
On Saturday this appeared in the local paper:
Midcounties Co-op, who claimed they were worried about health and safety, have since inspected the premises and said the inhabitants can stay until its lease expires in April.
 
Kevin Brown, Midcounties Co-operative group general manager for specialist services, said: "We successfully adjourned the repossession process on Friday to give us more time to reach a positive outcome. We’ve also completed a health and safety inspection of the site. The areas affected by asbestos have been cordoned off, and we’re satisfied that the building is safe and that those staying there are taking their duty of care very seriously. We are now in very positive negotiations with the legal representatives of Iffley Open House, to allow the group to remain in the property, subject to certain conditions, until our lease expires in April."
 
The occupiers were very well prepared, knew the law and made an excellent video about the occupation. They wrote to their neighbours to explain what they were doing and have been completely reasonable throughout. A textbook example of successful direct action.




Black and white in colour 121