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Portsmouth Road
Police evict island squatters
Photo credit:
itsnotanoption Ait gets eco heave-ho
Upwards of 40 officers are believed to have made the 4am push to regain control of the multimillion pound island, which the squatters had bragged they could hold for months after receiving an eviction notice on March 19.
Boat owner Richard Turk had been approached by police in recent weeks in an attempt to commandeer his fleet of pleasure craft for the invasion, but when he arrived at work at 8am this morning the operation was well under way.
The group, who have styled themselves as eco-warriors, were caught out last week after it emerged they had used more than 30,000kW of electricity since taking control of the ait - the same power as 45 average homes would use in the same time.
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Comments
The police have done well! Although the group was not very much witty to evade the police, still they were not so dumb! It’s good to see that the police department has caught them in right time.
Well done to the local police force......................NOT!!!!
Such an easy target for them. Generally people like the ones that took over the Ait are mostly peaceful types. Yes they can be undesirable and attract the wrong kind of yobs into the area. However, isn't about time the focus was on stamping out other kinds of crime? WHERE ARE THE POLICE IN SURBITON AND KINGSTON?? There are hardly any foot patrols. People can waltz into the area and cause aggravation, beating up, speeding cars and bikes, fly tippers, abusive language late at night. Even further out from the Kingston area drivers seem to be in some kind of F1 race. Funny how it seems to be mainly high inflated ego chasing BMW drivers. You know who you are!!!!!!
1. Get more police out on the roads.
2. Get more police out on the beat.
3. Get more police.
4. Lets have more traffic calming.
5. More speed camera's.
6. Lets have more hand held speed deterrants.
7. Pedestrian crossings on the roundabout in the high street. The majority of the motorists recognise that people need to cross here. Its the herbert's that need to get to their destination one minute quicker than yesterday that don't let pedestrians cross or blast their car horns at the courteous ones holding them up for 10 seconds....................W*****'s
I agree that the police seem ineffective, but that is primarily because they seem to spend most of their time racing up and down the Portsmouth Road and around the Kingston one-way system with their sirens blaring.
As I sat outside on Saturday evening, the sirens were going almost continuously. I dreaded waking up and finding Kingston reported on the national news because something serious had occurred. Sure enough, there was nothing, so all of these sirens were presumably due to minor crime committed outside Kingston's nightclubs AGAIN.
I don't see why there cannot be a New York style police box situated in Kingston town centre to deal with the thugs at the nightclubs. This could be staffed by 6 or so officers, and would leave the rest of the force free to deal with real crime.
It would also save the majority of law abiding Kingston residents from thinking that they had actually moved to New York due to the consistent blaring sirens and false 'emergencies'.
The one item that I DID see on the news on Sunday, was that another person has been killed on a pedestrian crossing by a speeding police car. This was in East London, but how long before it happens in Kingston?
So. On the front page of Surbiton.com- violent muggings, bank vans robbed etc etc. These are troubling headlines, yet still we have little or no police presence in Surbiton.
I have lived in Surbiton since i was 8, i love this town, and have a great sense of pride in this place. I work very hard, pay my taxes, and feel my opinion should be as valid as anybody elses. Now, regardless of whether or not you support the "squatters" or not, surely there are bigger fishes to fry than people who care about the local community (i.e. robbers, muggers and rapists).
I realise there is a chance that not all of the people on that were on the island had such noble intentions, but i believe most of them did. Certainly the ones i met.
To look at, i am certainly not a "crusty", but i wish we would all stop forming opinions based purely upon a persons appearance. Remember, you just might look a bit silly in your ill-fitting suit walking around like the sun shines out of the top of your legs!
The worst part is, this will fall on deaf ears. Your opinions have been compounded over several exorbitantly priced glasses of wine, and because others of a similar ilk agree with your snobbery you feel vindicated. But for the sake of our growth as a species, please try to listen and understand other peoples points of view. Just once.
Ha ha Good riddance!
Can only feel sorry for their next unfortunate victims. The law needs to be changed so that these scamsters stop taking advantage of the hard working taxpayer in this country.
I hope all those naive 'believers' saw the facts showing they were no more environmentalists than my left big toe. Manipulating scamsters, the lot of them!
Good-bye and don't come back.
meanwhile back to the pub
UK green squatters seize island
30/04/2009 10:19 - (SA)
Kingston - A bucolic, sun-dappled island in the river Thames seems an unlikely setting for an environmental and lifestyle standoff - but that's what green squatters are staging.
For the last two months a group of eco-activists have occupied Raven's Ait, a sliver of land just downriver from the world-famous royal palace at Hampton Court, west of London, resisting all efforts to remove them.
"It's not hippie heaven or something," said bearded activist Rick, his purple hat topped with a jaunty white feather and T-shirt emblazoned "Eco-pirates".
Despite his scruffy appearance, the 28-year-old seems more like a businessman than a green dreamer, constantly on his mobile phone and consulting his electronic diary to arrange meetings and list tasks.
"No alcohol, no drugs," reads a poster on the island's main building, underlining the message that this is not just an excuse for an open-air party.
The occupation began on February 22, when environmental activist who calls himself Nick Revolving was out on his sister's boat when he noticed that the ait - an old English word meaning a small river island - was unoccupied.
'Eco conference centre'
The spit of land, 300 by 50 metres, had been used by a wedding and conference company as a picturesque setting for events, but the firm fell victim to the global downturn, going under last November.
The island offered an obvious setting for a fantastic rave.
"It crossed our mind," said Rick, but added: "It would have been a waste to destroy everything in one night".
Instead, the squatters decided to "transform the island into an eco conference centre", aimed at showcasing green ideas and promote sustainable development, he said.
Grand ambitions - although when AFP visited the island, only one small wind turbine was in evidence, with power provided by traditional electricity providers.
But Rick insists the squatters are "working their ass off".
"We're not squatting for the pleasure of squatting," said French activist Assia, 22, adding: "We're not just sitting here doing nothing."
Eviction order
To that end, they have submitted formal plans for their "sustainable island" to the local Kingston upon Thames council, which holds the freehold of Raven's Ait.
"They're having a look at it", said Sirius Green, who drew up the draft plans.
A council spokesperson denied this was the case. "The occupiers have been informed that the council will not discuss any proposal whilst they remain on the island," he said, noting that an eviction order had been issued.
The squatters respond that their aim is "to give it back to the people, to protect it, so that it's not sold off to privatised interests", said Green, claiming that a hotel chain wants to take it over.
Kingston council says only that there are "companies interested", giving no further details.
The squatters say they have an "excellent relationship" with locals, even if some press reporters have suggested that some well-heeled Kingston residents are angry at the "long-haired hippies" occupying the hitherto upmarket island.
"They don't pay any rights nor fees. They don't have any right to be here," said one member of a nearby boat club.
'Nothing to hide'
The Raven's Ait squatters say they have nothing to hide - offering to ferry anyone interested across to the island to take a tour.
A wooden tree-house has been built in the tallest tree on the island, and picnics are encouraged, while at the weekend workshops are organised including on natural healing methods and massage.
On the Queen's Promenade, a path which runs along the riverbank across from the island, people are reluctant to criticise the squatters.
"They're serving the community", said Sharon, a young mother throwing pieces of bread to ducks with her young child in a push-chair.
Faced with an eviction order, the eco-activists have said they will leave in eight weeks' time, said Green.
But above the island a police helicopter occasionally appears, echoing a statement by Kingston's municipal authorities: "The Council is resolute in its determination to seek repossession of the Island."
- AFP
I don't feel any pleasure at the eviction of the Islanders. All along I pointed out various points such as CRB checks, duty of care, common law, common land rights, insurance, health & safety, public liability etc. I made it perfectly clear that I did not support them, but I should make it clear now that I was not against them either. It's just that they went about highlighting a possible developer problem by hiding it behind other less important events. You must have known that other people, who weren't contributing to the threads, were reading your words. The final straw came in two ways:
1. The outstanding electricity bill.....the 'man' always wants his cash!
2. The other political parties began to exploit the situation forcing the council into enforcing the court order.
I shall continue to watch the Raven's Ait situation. Should the Islanders be proved correct in the long run I shall not be backwards raising the matter.
£50,000 PER WEEK aproximate cost of private security firm now occupying the island.
Plus a substaintial additional cost to Police budget, Baliffs, lawyers etc.
FREE to the people while the previous caretakers were there for 9 weeks voluntarilly.
9 x £50,000 = £450,000.
Where is the logic?
Simple answer is to sequester their giro payments until the debts and costs have been met,if these folks are so resourceful surely they can live off the land?
The above text has been deliberately disemvowelled as it is in breach of the Surbiton.com terms.
I'd like to start a new venture on Tuesday, does anyone know of an empty property in Surbiton that I can use free of charge?
Thank you in advance
Try SURBITON PLAZA, OR MY OLD COUNCIL FLAT THAT HAS REMAINED EMPTY AND NEGLECTED BY RBK FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS
Am confused. What will happen to the island now? Are 'we' pleased because the Island now sits empty.. or are 'we' pleased because we managed to evict people who werent a failing business. Sometimes the bitterness of people really astounds me. I didnt have a problem with the people on the island- they didnt appear to be doing much harm- they seemed to be trying to do some good- reasonably intelligent- open to discussion. Yes a victory for 'common sense'-if common sense meant wasting council tax money, in evicting people who werent doing any harm, and who were opening up the possibility of the island being used for some good, to suit the kind of people who have posted in this thread-people who would probably be much happier if they didnt waste their energy venting bitterness. Doesnt sound like common sense to me. SOunds like petty mindedness and gloating.
Excellent, good riddance to bad rubbish.
Some environmentalists they were!!!!!!
LOL
Excellent, you got your wish and now you council tax will be the most expensive in the country.
The new occupiers of the island are costing you upwards of £8,000 a day!
Well done setanta, you should be knighted for this!
15 plus security guards 24/7 @ £20 per hour = £7,200 per day = £50,400 a week.
Not including the security companies cut.
Simple mathematics that even a child could work out.
I can't see how this argument supports you in any way, shape or form.
The illegal squatting on the island is the only reason this cost is necessary! So not only have you cost us tax payers thousands of pounds in eviction procedures, and the cost of cleaning up the island now that you've left, but we now have to pay for it to be protected from the likes of yourselves. Simple logic that even a squatter could work out.
I'm fully supportive about most of your environmental concerns and beliefs, and I'm sure that if you went about it properly you could do great good for the planet. Your recent activity though has been nothing but an expensive public nuisance.
Please take on board the comments from these forums and use these to base your decisions rather than assuming we share your (often naive) opinions.
Totally agree, Phil. The squatters have been naive in thinking that they can bypass due process to satisfy their aims.
The concerns and beliefs are laudible, but the method used has been ridiculous, and ultimately very expensive to Kingston council tax payers. Trying to blame the council for the fact it is now costing us £50,000 per week to secure the site is nonsense.
I am now unsure as to whether they are actually trying to gain community support or not.
The above text has been deliberately disemvowelled as it is in breach of the Surbiton.com terms.
I think it's a shame to disemvowell this post. I did not offend me (the person it was aimed at) and illuminated the character of the writer to all and sundry
As previously said, i shall not contribute to any threads regarding Ravens ait squatters or their (electricity wasting) eco cause from today onwards.
Perhaps the best way to deal with personally abusive posters on this thread is to ignore them, as they don't really seem to wish to have adult debate.
It might be that other posters do the same and that the unfortunates who have been abusive do post to other threads, in a more meaningful and respectful manner
hardly matters, you already answered all the questions below, DOH!
Ha ha ha! The local residents have had their say - WE DO NOT WANT YOU OR YOUR PHONY (love your ability to consume electricity btw) CAUSE in our neighbourhood.
I think we as residents doing our little bit recycling and turning our lights off when we can makes us more qualified as environmentalists than you and your parasitic friends. Dear God, is your little £1000 grant from that green charity going to cover that electricity bill? I doubt it, if you even had a grant to use for electricity in the first place.
And guess who will end up picking up that tab, yes us, the taxpayer once again. Get lost you hippy-wannabes, you're not welcome in our neighbourhood.
Ho Ho Ho! the local residents want to buy the island off the council and save it for community use.
He He He! Mission accomplished.
Sapphire8..you are a sad and bitter individual. Now in future do not break the law!
What Law have I broken exactly? I am not one of the squatters.
Was it the Law against open-mindedness and having a well informed and balanced opinion?
Perhaps it was the Law against Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression?
I shall research this at work, where we have a huge catalogue of books and journals in our Law Department.
I think I will start with the European Court of Human Rights, it's a Jolly Good Read.
Yours sincerely
A Happy & Sweet Individual.
Your reply earns a Karma point!
I had the feeling when I was dishing out my advice/suggestions that there was more to you by the quality of your replies. I look forward to the harvest from your research. You might also like to researching (if you have them at work) English Laws which haven't been repealed. Funny how they can sometimes throw a spanner in the works of present day justice :-)
Sapphire8 asked
1. WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE?--------- Would you like me to go away? Do you not like someone with a differing view?
2. WHY ARE YOU NOT DOWN THE JOB CENTRE LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT?-----'cos i am a self employed health professional
3. ARE MY TAXES PAYING FOR YOUR DRINKING HABIT?---- no, my taxed drinking habit,and our combined council tax, paid for your squatter friends to be evicted ;-)
4. WHAT DOES YOUR WIFE THINK OF YOUR ADDICTION TO SURBITON.COM?---Funny question, this? What makes you think i am an addict or married to a female? Am i male or female? Straight or Gay? Again you make assumptions!!
5. WHAT WAS YOUR LAST SELFLESS ACT?---- treating a terminally ill gentleman for free, supporting the bereaved family of a patient. monthly donations to amnesty international and wateraid, small but i hope i do my bit....
6. WHAT POSITIVE ACTION DID YOU LAST TAKE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY?---going to work every day, loving my kids, loving you
7. DO YOU STILL LIKE YOUR LIFE?----of course, and i am grateful for experiencing the lives of all those i encounter
8. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU MADE 1000 PLUS FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK IN "RAVEN'S AIT" WEEKS?
Hilarious------since when did anyone think that facebook friends count in the real world? One could sign up in facebook and make up 1000 'friends' in less than a day. Not that the evictee squatters would dream of doing that, eh? The evictees should go down the pub a bit more to meet some friend outside their clique. they might get a grip on reality
I do enjoy jousting with you. Even more so post drinking in the pub ;-)
Perhaps you ought have a beer, 'cos it might give you asense of humour.
Lots of love,
Fag an bealach
Excellent post setanta, best read on this subject for ages, laughed till I went to the pub, oh of course to pay my additional taxes, stay cool dude ;@)
Meanwhile, back in reality....
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