Occupy Southend sets up camp in churchyard near to town centre.

Media Summary

Occupy Southend has set up its camp in the grounds of St.Mary's Church. Fencing has beed set around graves so as not to disturb them. Two traditional willow framed structures have been erected for sleeping in.

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in Politics, on the 21st of February 2012

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One of the organisers, Neil, holds a sign to the camera.

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One of the camp members reads local papers article on the camp.

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One of the camp members reads local papers article on the camp.

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Local paper sits in tray on table, the headline on the occupation is on the front page.

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Occupy Southend has set up its camp in the grounds of St.Mary's Church near the town centre. They moved in on Sunday after months of meticulous planning. Two of the organisers, Patsy and Neil, discuss the day's plans.

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Description:

12.30pm Sunday 19th February 2012, after several months of meticulous planning Occupy Southend moved into the churchyard of St Mary’s Church Prittlewell, Southend. Other options of public space were dismissed as Southend Council stated that they would be evicted as soon as they landed. St Mary’s Church was chosen partly because of its central position and because the church also stands against inequality.

The camp has been carefully set out in a corner of the churchyard and temporary fencing placed around it’s perimeter and visible graves. A flowerbed within the camp has also been fenced off as it contains ashes. Strict rules of behaviour have been laid down by the organisers with regards to the area used, litter and alcohol and drugs are banned on site. The occupiers are all from the Southend area so far. There is a small core present as a number of supporters there from the weekend arrival have had to leave for work commitments. It is stressed that they are not as many believe, ‘unemployed soap dodgers’.

There is no leader of the group but three of the main members, Mark, Neil and Patsy were key in the organisation of the occupation and are passionate about the cause. People came to show their support while I was there and shared tea and pizza, while others sat and talked around the wood burning stove in the centre of the camp.

They are keen to state that they are neither anti-capitalists nor anarchists.The Vicar at St.Mary’s was not on scene and the protesters have been unable to speak to him so far. The church warden was unable to make any comment on the situation but stated the Vicar was having a meeting this afternoon about the camp. Local people have been expressing support but some are concerned that the camp is in the churchyard. Traditional wood framed structures have been erected from willow and covered with tarpaulin for sleeping accomodation. Portable chemical toilets have also been provided by the protesters on the site and this morning they have been clearing the site of rubbish left by others prior to their arrival.

It is hoped that the church will support the camp and that it will remain and gain growing support from local people who can also learn more about the Occupy movement.