LEWISHAM: Bailiffs fail to evict Lewisham Bridge School rooftop protesters (From News Shopper)

LEWISHAM: Bailiffs fail to evict Lewisham Bridge School rooftop protesters

4:21pm Wednesday 24th June 2009

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FOUR police vans waited outside Lewisham Bridge School this morning as protesters on the roof of the building refused to come down.

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.

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.”

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