Reclaiming Our Food
Indymedia UK - 8 Mar 2008
The weekly vegan open picnic has recently faced growing repression from Police and consistent support in the community.People taking part in Brixton’s Reclaim Your Food weekly action faced arrest last Sunday 2nd March 2008 as they challenged the legitimacy of a Dispersal Order issued by the Lambeth branch of the Metropolitan Police.Police (consisting of a mix of PCs, CSOs and higher-ranking officers) were waiting for the collective before they even arrived. They came equipped with a mobile surveillance van, 2 regular Police vans and 2 Police cars.The first arrest came as a result of a refusal to comply with the Dispersal Order placed upon the group, the second for attempting to establish the legal basis for such an arrest. The Dispersal Order, made possible by the controversial Anti-Social Behaviour Act, was issued in response to an alleged Section 5 Public Order offence – defined as causing harassment, distress or alarm. However, when questioned, the Police failed to provide adequate evidence to suggest that such an offence was taking place.Thankfully, the long arm of the law did not stretch to the Bicycle Repair Workshop or those making Puncture Repair Kits and Wallets from recycled and sustainable materials. These were welcome additions to the Town Square, which was reclaimed as a fully-functional public space for all…with room for a bit of a dance to the chilled reggae/dub soundsystem!Despite all the Police intimidation and generally not fantastic weather, a good time was had by most people who turned up or happened to be passing by! – Same as today 9th of March when there were no arrests.The collectives involved in Sunday’s action are keen to welcome anyone who is interested in any aspect of the project to come along – Bring food to share. Instruments. Sound Systems. Practical Social Activities. Or just yourself!! All welcome.The project will continure to meet at Brixton Town Square (by Coldharbour Lane, opposite the Ritzy Cinema) from around 2/3pm every Sunday. The town square is well on it’s way to being a free public space, for anyone to use. This does not figure in the plans of the Police and Local Government, who are intent on seeing through gentrification of the area. Every Sunday at approx 3pm in BRIXTON TOWN SQUARE, opposite BRIXTON LIBRARYReports: 17 feb | 3 march (1) | 3 march (1) | 3 march (1) |Video: 3 march (1)