PRESS RELEASE // For immediate release
6th May 2015
RAPAR volunteer checks in at Liverpool's Love Bank to show solidarity with homelessness protest
Holly Marie Saunders visited the Love Activists occupying a former bank in Liverpool. This is her report:
The Love Bank is based in the former Bank of England in central Liverpool - and was uninhabited at the time a group of activists began occupying it nearly three weeks ago.
Activists inside the Love Bank are holding the fort to protest against the city's homelessness and housing crisis. They have barricaded themselves in by blocking the main entrance with heavy safes. Home-made signs reading “Homes not Banks” and “ACAB” adorn the stone carved balconies. Where the George Cross once flew, the Love Bank flag now flutters in the sea breeze.
“We intend to use this building for the community, to inspire the feeling of community which is lacking in our society.” This statement of intent from the Love Activists of Liverpool makes clear that the occupants want to use the building to provide for the needs of the homeless and anyone else in the local community who can benefit from the space they occupy or the donations they receive. It is being done in direct response to the city council and the government who are failing the people and putting more austerity measures in place. Occupants of the Love Bank are clearly visible on the three balconies - hanging signs, waving and talking to people below. Since a court eviction order was granted a few days ago, 18 policemen have surrounded the Love Bank 24 hours a day. The police are preventing food, water and other supplies from entering the building. They have even arrested a woman for throwing a sandwich up to the activists. |
Police officers said they were unable to express their opinion, either personal or professional, about what was happening in the Love Bank or about the Police response. They said “We have a press office for those sorts of inquiries.” I asked several activists on the ground about this and they said the woman at press office, who they have been in regular contact with, was sympathetic but unable to provide any comment on the situation.
An activist wrapped in warm clothing made a moving speech from the balcony. Using a speaker phone, she asked the small gathering of supporters and the public passing by on the street below to act in solidarity with a Liverpudlian family facing eviction today (May 6th).
The parents and their three children, one of whom is only a year old and severely ill, have lived in their home for many years. They have been issued with an eviction order but have not yet been provided with alternative housing.
The activist asked that anyone able to spare the time to support the family stand around their house at 10 am this morning to prevent the bailiffs from evicting them. She shouted the address which was also written on a sign and said that, in the spirit of Northern hospitality, there would be tea, coffee and biscuits for anyone attending. The parents of the family, who were with us in the street below, shouted up: “Aye and we’ll be making some butties too”. |
The Jones Family address: 12 Hudson Street, Dingle, L8 6XD
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/832804990135389/