A-Spire: Autonomous Zone

On the 24th May the 'A-Spire: autonomous zone', squatted social centre for Leeds, was evicted after four weeks up and running. The centre had contained a cafe providing vegan and organic food on a donations basis, a radical / anarchist library and reading room, and a meditation room and workshops on bike maintenance and martial arts amongst other things. It had also been the scene of meetings, fundraising and general networking for political groups and campaigns such as Earth First!, the Hunt Sabs and anti-war and anti-fascist activity.

Originally the plan had been to resist the eviction and force the university who own the building into a full scale eviction. Barricades had been built including a platform fifty foot up in the spire and a direct action pledge signed by hundreds of local people. Unfortunately by the time the four weeks were up the collective were too exhausted to continue running the centre on a day to day basis, let alone launch themselves into an eviction.

Although the squat is now gone, A-Spire continues, courtesy of the web. Take a look: www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Parliament/3344

A pamphlet, describing and analysing issues arising from the centre and squat centres in general is being produced. For a copy, contact Leeds EF! or email: a-spire@geocities.com