The Occupy Norwich camp in Hay Hill. Protesters have set up a working group to improve its image.

Hay Hill protesters receive court date from Norwich City Council

Richard Wheeler Monday, February 13, 2012
2:09 PM

Protesters camped in Norwich city centre were today served with legal papers warning them to stop trespassing or face court action next week.

The Occupy Norwich camp, in Hay Hill, emerged almost four months ago to oppose several issues, including inequalities of wealth in society.

But despite the group indicating it would move after Norwich City Council threatened legal action, tents remain in place with a small number of protesters vowing to stay.

This has led to the city council pinning forms seeking repossession of the land to trees near the camp.

A court date at Norwich County Court has been set for Monday, February 20. The council will be able to seize back the land if it succeeds with its legal action.

And any protester who formally identifies themselves could be liable to contribute towards the authority’s initial court and solicitor costs of almost £250.

A Norwich City Council spokesman said: “On February 4 the protesters agreed unanimously to leave the site last Saturday - a decision which they publicised.

“Following a request from the protesters, the council wrote confirming the offer of the use of an alternative space on Hay Hill.

“Unfortunately we never received a written response to this proposal, despite assurances from the protesters that we would.

“We’re very disappointed that they are continuing to trespass on the site after promising they’d leave.

“Therefore this morning we served those present on the site with court papers seeking repossession of the land.”

The council initially gave the group until February 3 to leave. But the authority has now stepped up its legal action.

Occupy Norwich says it is no longer directly involved in the administration of the Hay Hill camp.

This was after a general assembly held by the protesters agreed the camp should be managed by a branch of Occupy Norwich.

This is known as the working group and they hope to improve the camp’s image.

Vanessa Buth, of Occupy Norwich, said the group would keep in contact and show solidarity with the campers but the tents were no longer their responsibility.

She said: “It really matters how the public perceives the camp. We don’t wish to be an eyesore. We wish to put a message across. If we can’t do that as people don’t fell comfortable with the camp and how it looks or it doesn’t feel inviting then that’s a problem and that’s not the wish of Occupy Norwich.

“So what’s happening now with this letter will have to be dealt with by the camp. The people have been made aware by the group of those responsibilities and they believe the way they move forward is the right one and they have ideas of how to deal with it.”

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34 comments

I think it is good that people stand up against the system and try to get the message out that our society is at rock bottom. If thing's get much worse, job losses, cuts, high energy prices, wars, and working to you drop dead it will be to late to complain. Do somthing now. Stand up.

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Jack

Saturday, February 18, 2012
I'm with you on this 111. Most of the regular posters on her have the intellect of a cupcake and make Cloetus from The Simpsons look like Stephen Fry

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robotsthatcare

Friday, February 17, 2012
Are those big words, really? Sorry if I hit a raw nerve. I can't help it if you find me incomprehensible, although from your tone I take it that you disagree, therefore do comprehend. Actually I'm not involved with Occupy at all, although I have some support for the movement (as I have previously explained), I see pros and cons to it. But again, I suppose this is all a bit incomprehensible.

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111

Thursday, February 16, 2012
@111 - congratulations, you managed to use a lot of big words without actually saying anything comprehensible. From your empty rhetoric you sound like one of the 'Occupy' people.

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expat

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
It does occur to me, looking at some of the comments on here, that so many don't have any valuable insight or intelligent understanding, regardless of their position. If this is any representation of people in Norwich, I am sorry to be part of a society that still expresses itself with the intellectual equivalent of sharpening its pitchforks and igniting torches. Which apparently don't shine that brightly. No wonder these movements don't pan out that well here.

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111

Wednesday, February 15, 2012
@ingo...the reason these lowlife get so much publicity has nothing to do with "their message" but all to do with getting this unapproved stinking mess removed from our City Centre.No doubt at Council Tax Payers expence !

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Albert Cooper

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
@ ingo wagenknecht - You mention that they're keeping themselves in the news? All be it for the wrong reasons, which no longer highlight their initial cause. I 'mutter' what the majority of posters here think, by the way. If you're happy with footing the legal, security, clean up and other costs that an innocent tax payer is forced to pay for these miscreants, then good for you. I however beleive it unfair, unneccessary and harsh that the tax payer ultimately end up paying for these so called protestors. They are no longer the voice of the voiceless, they are a blemish on their 'cause' and need to accept their time is over and move on. Occupy Norwich? More like a Nuisance for Norwich. Regards, Whiley.

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Whiley Boy

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Surely enough is enough - time to look to the US and bring in the SEAL unit!

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Dick

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
BT are going to be digging a big hole on Vulcan road soon, how about dropping them all in there before it is filled in, be close to a nice new KFC and they can still occupy Norwich, or play a supporting role!

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Mr T

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Perhaps they could move to that tower block on Westlegate and occupy that next? Great views, make use of a building that everyone seems to hate, it's a win win I reckon, for all concerned

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I ronnie

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Yawn.......are the soap dodgers still there? Lawbreakers should be moved on.

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All Smiles

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Maybe they should donate their tents to the homeless people of Norwich ?

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Mrs Meldrew

Monday, February 13, 2012
Stuart - Read their Facebook page. They don't seem averse to making threats to each other when the official line isn't followed, so threatening outsiders isn't much of a surprise! It's ridiculous how they're promising one thing and then doing another, which is exactly what they're accusing the establishment of doing, and then also abandoning all notions of responsibility when being called out for it, which is exactly what they're accusing the establishment of doing.

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locke_211

Monday, February 13, 2012
I have also supported the cause of the occupy movement and its Norwich camp, until they decided to stay on, after they indicated leaving. Some of them want to leave with dignity and without depicted being pushed off by police and council officers. The other group is more interested in getting their faces on the news and talk about it on facebook. This spat has detracted from the achievements of the wider occupy movement, whatever chebram 71 and whiley boy are muttering, they have kept the issue accute and in the news. NCC's wasting of £80.000 seems to be less of a problem to some of the whingers here.

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ingo wagenknecht

Monday, February 13, 2012
I have been a supporter of the Occupy Movement, however I couldn't support it through Occupy Norwich, as I felt it was not in keeping with the movement as a whole. There were many incidents that resulted in many people feeling unwelcome from the onset: The defensive reactions towards the public and those curious, childish public disputes online, and a failure to interact with the public in a constructive way has left the movement misunderstood and badly represented. There are some good people involved (I am sure of that), and it is not the case that they all consist of those on benefits! There is a range of people from different situations, many who work and put a lot of spare time into it. However, I and many like me, felt we were not welcome and that sadly there are many egos and agendas going on there, which meant that this could not be overcome. I am not surprised that they are confused in their position and whether they are staying or going, for these reasons. Personally I think Occupy Norwich should go, before they do more damage to what should be an inspiring movement for change. I am not even sure that the remaining people can call themselves 'Occupy' any more, as they seem to have a whole other agenda.

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111

Monday, February 13, 2012
Albert, you are correct when you say the tax payers of Norwich will pick up the bill to move this lot on. The thing is ,how much is this going to cost and what chance of the Coucil to recover any of it. they had thier chance to put the message they had over to all who would listen and and when asked after four months to leave they have now have dug in . The Council should move as quickly as possible to remove this eyesore from the city

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Rorping

Monday, February 13, 2012
Many comments indicate that a public stoning would be in order for the crime of questioning what has become econonic orthodoxy.Let him without the sin of capitalism cast the first stone.

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Peter Watson

Monday, February 13, 2012
You commenters are a bunch of cynics, aren't you? I share your opinion that the camp should have been taken already, but wild accusatory claims like "that 'Occupy Norwich' are using slippery legal tactics" is ridiculous.

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Simeon Jackson

Monday, February 13, 2012
Identified protesters could face £250 to pay for legals costs. If any of them are on Benefits then living in a tent, that is classified as no fixed abode, which explains why they clear off to their proper home each night. If they are then made to pay costs, stuff the idea of £4 a week being deducted, go for the full amount of Benefit each week to pay costs off. Wonder how quick they would then moved if faced with that prospect?

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chebram71

Monday, February 13, 2012
I heard an interview with an Occupy Norwich spokesperson last week and it was an absolute joke. He had the opportunity to explain to a wide audience what they stood for, but sounded more like a 4 year old child answering questions to the dame on the panto stage - squirming and giggling! He managed to close off any open-mindness I had about their cause.

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AE

Monday, February 13, 2012
In my opinion they are a Starbucks drinking, McDonalds Eating, city centre littering, tax payer's money consuming group of miscreants. Why do they believe that they have the right to be above the law? They really do try my nerve.

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Whiley Boy

Monday, February 13, 2012
Neil Slater - the people who are defying democracy by going against the legal will of the people ARE 'Occupy Norwich', theres no two ways about it. As you rightfully point out, they are a minority. So as far as I can see, they are a minority group using illegal methods to try and arrange a new world order. Very very 'Animal Farm' to me and they don't get my respect or support.

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expat

Monday, February 13, 2012
where is the council spokesperson to explain why this farce has been allowed to run and run?

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bookworm

Monday, February 13, 2012
Occupy Norwich, are a wonderful group of people represented by a broad spectrum of people across the generations and from all walks of life. Some, still in education, some professional, some self-employed and yes we have some folks who are unfortunately unemployed some who are homeless. Austerity cuts will effect all, some with loss of income and work, poorer education, poorer housing, dimished social services and health care will effect many hundreds of thousands of people. In the meantime those in the banking and financial sectors carry on with the same cavalier and aplomb. Rewarding themselves even now with more outragous bonuses and salaries . It is widely thought our society has not addressed the terrible gross inequalities between the poorer vulnerable members of our society and rich + those who visited the financial crisis on us all. The bulk of the austerity cuts have yet to be felt. Please do not believe the politicians who say we are all in this together for clearly it is a lie. Support Occupy Norwich and its noble endeavour to make our society less unequal and fairer for all. And perhaps it maybe well to remember - all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing>

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Gina

Monday, February 13, 2012
No doubt it will be the Council Tax Payers that will pick up bill for all legal costs,and the cost of removing this stinking eyesore,and these lowlife will just disappear and walk away.

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Albert Cooper

Monday, February 13, 2012
I've said it before and I'll say it again!!! They have acheived nothing, have no support from the so called 99% and need to move on!

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Whiley Boy

Monday, February 13, 2012
Was near the site on SUnday and some chap was taken a picture and he got a load off mouth off one of the campers shouting " why are you taken a photo do you want me to sign it". Can't see what they are doing apart from looking a eye sore and being rude to people walking past. The man can take a picture if he wants they can't stop him and shouting at him makes them look bad and does not help what they are there for.

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Stuart Warburton

Monday, February 13, 2012
Was near the site on SUnday and some chap was taken a picture and he got a load off mouth off one of the campers shouting " why are you taken a photo do you want me to sign it". Can't see what they are doing apart from looking a eye sore and being rude to people walking past. The man can take a picture if he wants they can't stop him and shouting at him makes them look bad and does not help what they are there for.

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Stuart Warburton

Monday, February 13, 2012
Shower them with soap and water.

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NigelS

Monday, February 13, 2012
this lot should have been moved on as soon as they arrived how many are claiming benefits while hanging about doing nothing

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david barnby

Monday, February 13, 2012
this lot should have been moved on as soon as they arrived how many are claiming benefits while hanging about doing nothing

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david barnby

Monday, February 13, 2012
this lot should have been moved on as soon as they arrived how many are claiming benefits while hanging about doing nothing

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david barnby

Monday, February 13, 2012
My understanding is that the majority of Occupy Norwich did infact want to move on and work together with the council. However a very small minority of people refused to leave the camp and so stayed on as a seperate group. The problem now is of course that the most people will still see the camp at hay hill as "Occupy Nowich" when in fact they wish to move forward with educating people about the debt crisis, holding peoples assemblies, film nights, organise meetings for speakers on various subjects and focus on more outreach with the widr community.

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Neil Slater

Monday, February 13, 2012
It looks to me that 'Occupy Norwich' are using slippery legal tactics of fragmenting themselves under different names to avoid conforming what normal reasonable people would define as normal reasonable behaviour. Isn't this what the bankers they vilify do as well? Hmmmmmm......

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expat

Monday, February 13, 2012