Barricades In Brixton
The 121 centre in Brixton has been squatted since 1981; over the years it has been used as an info-shop, cafe and venue, and provided space and resources for a wide range of anarchist groups, campaigns and publications. Lambeth Council obtained a possession order for the building over 6 weeks ago.
By dawn on February 8th - the first expected date of eviction - over 80 masked-up supporters were outside and prepared to resist the bailiffs. As the first police-car pulled up, barricades appeared in the street, to be followed by a sound system and huge puppets. By lunch time it had become clear that any plans to evict had been postponed. A smaller group set off to storm the town hall, where they soon found themselves in the office of Jim Dickson (the New Labour leader of the Council). Police broke in to reach the protesters, handcuffed and threw to the floor those nearest the door, and cleared everyone from the building before de-arresting them.
The eviction of 121 is part of a larger attempt by the council and property developers to gentrify Brixton, making it "safe" for the middle classes and tourists. Squats have been evicted, while rents and house prices have rocketed, pushing people out of the area. Loc al pubs have been replaced by yuppie bars. Drinking in the street has been banned. CCTV cameras push crime away from the 'town centre' and into local estates and streets. Many community spaces, advice centres and services are facing forced closure, including five libraries and at least eight schools. The kind of Brixton the council want is one where people don't cause trouble as th ey are pushed out of their own communities in the name of "development".
The 121 is still barricaded and awaiting the bailiffs: a phone tree has been set up, and visitors are welcome. Links are being made with other campaigns against closures: on Friday 26th activists joined forces to protest the Queen's visit to one of the borough's 'flagship' (grant-maintained) schools. A number of marches are planned to converge at the council meeting on Wednesday 3rd March, with more exciting collaborations due in the future. A weekly news sheet, the 'South London Stress', is being produced.
Get in touch (SAEs for info): Box Stress, c /o 56a Info Shop, 56 Crampton St, London SE17.
121 Centre: Tel: 0171 274 6655 or 0171 978 8214. E-mail: mark261@hotmail.com, http://i.am/121centre.