Bath Reclaim The Streets

On the 17th August around one hundred people closed a major route through Bath at the city’s third Reclaim The Streets.

The police intelligence effort was a bit sad with it only seeming to comprise of them ringing Avon Gorge Earth First! and stopping an activist in the street a week before the event to ask them what was going on. Nobody told them and they didn’t notice the fly-posters, so they only caught up with the action half an hour into the march through town! It stopped on Walcot Street where cones, diversion signs, chairs, a play-tent and a see-saw appeared from nowhere as people began to enjoy a party in gorgeous hot weather. The usual cake eating, sofa-sitting, juggling, music-making and relaxing began and lasted for nearly five hours whilst traffic wardens diverted cars and a couple of cops looked on helplessly.

Passers-by were supportive and as one said: “Why can’t it be like this all the time?” Even motorists didn’t complain too much and some traders joined in, although one shop-keeper threw stink bombs and rotten eggs. Traffic chaos was reported all over the city, even though this was probably due more to it being an average Saturday in Bath rather than the Street Party itself.

No arrests, no pretend ambulance emergencies, less noise and less fumes.... more Street Parties are planned so don’t miss the next one! For more details contact Avon Gorge Earth First! on: 01225 448556.