DALE FARM: 28 DAYS LATER

The Tory controlled Basildon council has fired the starting gun on the Dale Farm eviction, voting to spend an estimated £18 million to turf out more than 400 people from their homes. In these times of local government austerity, the cost of all this is an astonishing one third of the council’s entire annual budget to be blown on this one operation. This is like a farcical vendatta pursued by a Basil Fawltyesque sit-com character bringing themselves to near ruin over a neighbour having their garden fence pitched a few feet further out than the deeds decree.

Nonetheless they are hell-bent on their course, whatever austerity it brings to the other residents of Basildon. Dale Farm could now be served with a 28-day eviction warning at any time.

The Gypsy Council say they are still hoping for a “peaceful solution to what must unavoidably become a long-drawn out and violent confrontation.” They have lodged proposals for alternative sites while also threatening the council with legal action if the plans go ahead.

Meanwhile the community are preparing for the arrival of the bailiff thugs of Constant & Co (see SchNEWS 738). When the 28-day notice arrives, friends and supporters will descend on the camp to provide support and help the community resist the eviction. The community has issued a call out for people to join them to actively resist, to act as human rights/legal observers and to coordinate outreach and media.

To get involved see www.dalefarm.wordpress.com/get-involved