As this UK writer readied herself for work this morning she glimpsed the early morning TV news. It showed Dale Farm in Essex, in the UK, which has been the scene of much controversy of late.
It seems that today Dale Farm had reached its D Day.
Having fought long and hard to remain on the site the residents were facing eviction. Although the travellers campsite was legal the growth of the campsite onto illegal areas has caused the current problems. Many of the families have lived there ten years and some have built permanent residencies. As is so often the case it is easy to see both sides.
One thing was for sure this morning and that was that it looked a little scary. Imagining young children caught up in today's events was worrying.
It seems that today Dale Farm had reached its D Day.
Having fought long and hard to remain on the site the residents were facing eviction. Although the travellers campsite was legal the growth of the campsite onto illegal areas has caused the current problems. Many of the families have lived there ten years and some have built permanent residencies. As is so often the case it is easy to see both sides.
One thing was for sure this morning and that was that it looked a little scary. Imagining young children caught up in today's events was worrying.
It was a little before 7 am on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, as events unfolded on our TV screens. The eviction was scheduled for 8 am and this was the last ditch talking. The bailiffs had come prepared and looked more like the small contingent of riot squad police who accompanied them. In the end the talking at the front gates proved to be a distraction for a forced rear entry.
The police presence was said to be "just in case" things got out of hand. The bailiffs were to carry out the job in hand and only utilise the police if necessary. Inside the camp the residents were making last ditch efforts to protect what was theirs and maintain Dale Farm. It was a losing battle.
The police presence was said to be "just in case" things got out of hand. The bailiffs were to carry out the job in hand and only utilise the police if necessary. Inside the camp the residents were making last ditch efforts to protect what was theirs and maintain Dale Farm. It was a losing battle.
It has been reported that bricks and other debris was thrown at police even before the baliffs moved in. Two people were Tasered and three others arrested early today. A fence was broken down and entry forced at 7am, one hour earlier than scheduled. This provoked an angry respone for Dale Farm residents.
As usual both sides have their own slant on the day's events.
The police claim that reports of stockpiles of potentially dangerous items had prompted their early and heavy response. The travellers claim that unnecessary inuries and violence occurred. A police official said, "Our objective was to secure the site and make it safe so that clearances could begin. An inquiry will be carried out later in to any reports of use of excessive force."
Amidst all the claims and counter claims the site is continuing to be cleared. More arrests and injuries have followed.
A female resident told the media, "This is being led by the police, there is no sign of bailiffs." Another said, "The memory of Dale Farm will weigh heavily on Britain for generations - we are being dragged out of the only homes we have in this world. Our entire community is being ripped apart by Basildon Council and the politicians in government."
As usual both sides have their own slant on the day's events.
The police claim that reports of stockpiles of potentially dangerous items had prompted their early and heavy response. The travellers claim that unnecessary inuries and violence occurred. A police official said, "Our objective was to secure the site and make it safe so that clearances could begin. An inquiry will be carried out later in to any reports of use of excessive force."
Amidst all the claims and counter claims the site is continuing to be cleared. More arrests and injuries have followed.
A female resident told the media, "This is being led by the police, there is no sign of bailiffs." Another said, "The memory of Dale Farm will weigh heavily on Britain for generations - we are being dragged out of the only homes we have in this world. Our entire community is being ripped apart by Basildon Council and the politicians in government."
RSS Feed