VIDEO - LEWISHAM: Protesters stay on roof for second day despite bailiffs
10:00am Thursday 25th June 2009 in Video By Matthew Jenkin
PROTESTERS are still on the roof of Lewisham Bridge School for a second day after bailiffs failed to evict them.
For two months now, mums and their supporters have been on the roof of the school in Elmira Street, Lewisham, demanding students are returned after they were relocated in preparation for the building’s demolition.
Four police vans waited outside the school yesterday morning, while onlookers cheered their support for the mums’ campaign.
Lewisham Council served them an eviction notice on Monday, ordering them to leave the school grounds by 10.30am today.
But after the protesters refused to come down, the police left, along with the bailiffs.
The council has refused to give a reason why no- one tried to bring the protesters down.
Lewisham Bridge will be replaced with an all-age foundation school on the same site, due to open fully in spring 2011.
The protesters are hailing this as a victory for their campaign and the demonstration will continue.
A council spokesman said: "This occupation is unlawful and protesters on the roof have again made it clear that they do not intend to leave voluntarily, despite the eviction notice.
“We will ensure a safe and peaceful resolution to the occupation.
"While we respect the right to protest, only a small handful of those protesting are parents of Lewisham Bridge pupils.
“We have provided many opportunities for parents and other interested parties to put forward their views and have taken them on board.”
