Update on the Broadway Market situation issued by
the occupiers. Details of public meeting called to discuss regeneration issues.
>
>Broadway Market Occupation
>Update 10th December 2005
>
>
>COURT CASE
>
>Unfortunately we were unsuccessful in opposing Dr Wratten¹s possession
>proceedings in court on Friday. However, instead of being heard in 10-20
>minutes which is usual in these matters, the case went to trial and His
>Honour, Judge Latham, took until 4pm to reach his decision. He also gave Dr
>Wratten¹s lawyers a very hard time. Much was made in court of the actions of
>Mrs Wratten, who is one of the directors of Market House Ltd, the company
>that wants to demolish Tony¹s Café. Mrs Wratten made a visit to our
>occupation where she accepted tea, chatted with protesters and even signed
>our petition and gave us a donation. Judge Latham described her actions as
>foolish¹.
>
>But at the end of the day the wider issues surrounding our occupation (for
>example the problems with the sale and planning permission) were not seen as
>relevant to the case in the eyes of the law. This meant that Dr Wratten¹s
>property rights were given precedence and he can now evict the protesters.
>
>An appeal is planned and must be lodged by 23rd December.
>
>This decision has in no way dampened our enthusiasm to get justice for Tony
>and other affected traders in Broadway market and to continue challenging
>gentrification in the area.
>
>
>PRESS
>
>The Evening Standard has continued its coverage of the events in Broadway
>Market. It devoted a whole page to the matter in Friday¹s edition and
>journalists were present at the court case.
>
>London Tonight are sending a film crew to the occupation on Sunday morning
>we ask anyone who wants to show support to come along before 11am in a show
>of strength!
>
>We are receiving an increasing number of calls from the press an media and
>many have started to become interested in the wider story of council
>corruption.
>
>
>PUBLIC MEETING
>
>A public meeting is being called for Thursday 15th December between 7.30pm
>and 9.30pm at St Michaels Hall, on the corner of Lansdowne Drive and
>Lavender Grove, E8.
>
>The Occupation of Tony¹s Café has raised many issues in the national, London
>and local press and we are inviting people to discuss the following issues:
>
>WHAT DO YOU THINK OF HOW BROADWAY MARKET IS CHANGING?
>
>WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE DEVELOPERS WHO NOW HAVE A LARGE STAKE IN THE
>AREA?
>
>WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE WAY HACKNEY COUNCIL IS MANAGING REGENERATION¹
>HERE, AND IN THE REST OF THE BOROUGH?
>
>The event is to be chaired by Rev William Campbell-Taylor.
>
>All relevant parties are being invited to speak including:
>
>Chris Berry Interim Head of Planning, Hackney Council
>Jessica Crowe Deputy Mayor of Hackney
>Guy Nicholson Regeneration Officer, Hackney Council
>Andrew Boff Conservative Councillor, Queeensbridge Ward
>Bill Hodgson Labour Councillor, Queensbridge Ward (Chair of Planning)
>
>Arthur Shuter Local Advocate and Spokesman for Protest at Tony¹s Café
>Carl Taylor Hackney Independent
>Stephen Selby Broadway Market Traders and Residents Association
>Maria Flynn Regents Estate TRA
>Fred Filce Whiston & Goldsmiths TRA
>
>Dr Roger Wratten
>Stirling Properties
>Broadway Investments Hackney Ltd.
>
>Each party will have 2-3 minutes to speak on one or all of the issues and
>questions will be taken from the audience. We expect the media to attend.
>
>
>POLICE INVESTIGATIONS
>
>We have now learnt that the Metropolitan Police Commissioner has appointed a
>senior officer to deal with criminal investigations relating to commercial
>property sales in Hackney.
>
>
>PLANNING ISSUES
>
>Bill Hodgson, Chair of Planning in Hackney has told us that he is happy to
>refer the issues around planning consent for 34 Broadway Market to the
>Independent Planning Directorate a government body - for review.
>
>
>
>
>
>
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