Streets Reclaimed In Newcastle

In spite of drizzle and grey skies and a previously unsuccessful attempt at blockading traffic four years ago, crowds of car busters came out in force on June 12th in the centre of Newcastle.

After over two months of late-night meetings, flyposting, fundraising parties and spreading the word, about two hundred people gathered at the two public meeting points - with only four policemen and a van in sight.

In an act of military precision, each group set off at synchronised times with windsocks and whistles and miraculously came across a bloke up a tripod blocking four lanes of traffic on Moseley street.

Following an initial scuffle with baffled police who waded in and nicked the sound system, the street was transformed for three hours by fire jugglers, saxophone and guitar players, drummers, dancers and banners.

The BBC news reader warned drivers that 'a wigwam had been erected in the city centre' causing traffic chaos in and around Newcastle. Seven people were arrested during the afternoon for criminal offences such as attempting to tie a banner to a lamp-post, and held for forty-six hours. Plans are afoot for more parties in the streets...

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