Leeds Reclaim The Streets

Leeds streets were reclaimed for the second time on Saturday 18th May. People gathered in City Square and set off to a mystery destination. They succeeded in blocking a road in the civic heart of Leeds, between the Leeds Town Hall and the Library.

Police grabbed one of the tripods and tried to stop the other one being erected despite having told a police liaison person that they would only try to stop it if a major junction was blocked, an ominous sign as they had only stood by at the first event in December. The bouncy castle and stage with PA were soon out, followed by music, bands, face painting, children playing, banners waving, stilt demons stretching and the party was in full swing. Fascists were spotted throwing beer glasses in a nearby pub, but neither they nor the police tactics at the end were able to stop a good party. As soon as it became obvious that the party was about to finish the police horses came marching in, it seemed in order just to provoke people and they then began to haul people away. This only succeeded in causing confusion and bad feeling and delayed the end (probably the intention), and triggered an impromptu march up Woodhouse Lane (Otley Road) slowing traffic to walking pace. A few more people became victims of the snatch squads and there were twelve arrests in total. Leeds council are good at talking about how environmentally friendly they are but in actuality don’t carry anything through. Then as soon as people take positive initiative they send the police in feet first which does nothing but sour peoples relations with the police. The city is officially Transport city ‘96! Then let’s have some proper cycle lanes, park and ride schemes and more pedestrianised streets Leeds City Council. Contact Leeds EF! on: 0113 262 9365 for more information.