RAVEN'SAINT NO MORE

In the early hours of Friday May 1st the squatted island in the Thames, Raven’s Ait (see SchNEWS 669, 670, and 671) was evicted by over 50 cops including specialist climbing teams. Crossing on black zodiac inflatables and wearing helmets, balaclavas, and flackjackets, with sidearms to hand, the police kicked down doors and took people outside and off the island. Overhead a low flying helicopter used thermal imaging to locate the approximately 20 sleeping residents. The few who resisted eviction were arrested.

The island had been used as a community space, providing workshops and classes to the local community since February and plans were already being made to set up an Eco Centre on the multimillion pound island. The man-made island, owned by Kingston-on-Thames Council, was used by a wedding and conference hosting company until they went bust last year. Local residents, who were once again able to access and enjoy the island as it was being redeveloped sustainably, are now again denied access to what had historically been common land.

The Ravens Island Eco conference centre proposal has already been drawn up and campaigners are vowing to press ahead. There is a public meeting today, Friday 8th, at 6.30 at Kingston University, Penworth Rd. For more call 07964672922.

* See www.ravensait.org.uk