Free Parliament Sq Demo

September 30, 2010 10:00

Published: September 23, 2010 13:22 by Free Parliament Sq 8) |

Tagged as: free_spaces social_struggles

Places:

Caged Square

FREE PARLIAMENT SQUARE DEMO 8)    

Organised by:The Campaign to Free Parliament Square

On Thursday 30th September at 10AM, come and demonstrate outside the GLA to demand the removal of the fence currently encaging Parliament Square and preventing access to everyone except a gang of security guards.
The GLA ordered that this fence be put up to carry out essential maintenance and over 9 weeks later, we will demand that they take it down immediately.
Come and add your voice to the growing chorus for the removal of this ugly eyesore which is preventing lawful demonstration, appreciation of the square by visitors to London, and a sanctuary to those wanting a rest in the busy city.
Please make your own placards or banners ahead of the event to express how you feel about the fence, or if you'd like to perfom artistically to express your feelings there is a great mini ampitheatre next to the GLA where you can do just that.
We will also be having a people's assembly outside the GLA to discuss public spaces and related issues.
Be there or be Square!

  Some background to this demo:

On July 20th 2010, following the eviction of the Democracy Village from Parliament Square by the Greater London Authority, a fence was constructed around the Square for the official reason of ''carrying out essential maintenance'' . It was alleged that the presence of the Democracy Village had caused serious damage to the lawn on Parliament Square as well as the flower beds.
In addition to the erection of the fence, a round the clock team of Security Guards have patrolled the Square presumably at great expense to the taxpayer. No official explanation for their presence on the Square has been given by the GLA.
Following weeks of fair weather, the grass on Parliament Square is now lush, fertile and unblemished. 
The fences are an ugly eyesore which restrict access to this valuable open space. Tourists visiting London hoping to see the many famous statues surrounding the Square, workers seeking to enjoy a lunch break on the lawn, demonstrators wanting to voice their views next to Parliament, all are restricted by this ugly barrier.
Regardless of the original claims about damage to the Square by the Democracy Village, something which is strongly contested by all sides, we believe that there is no good reason for the presence of this fence and we call on the GLA to remove it immediately so that the Square can be continued to be enjoyed by all.
If you feel strongly about this issue pick up the phone to the GLA: 020 7983 4000 or send an email to: simon.grinter@london.gov.uk , head of Facilities at the GLA demanding the removal of the fence.    You can join the Facebook group: Free Parliament Square by clicking here.

Contact email: freeparliamentsquare@gmail.com

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