02 November 2011
City of London Corporation confirms a temporary halt to legal
action
Stuart Fraser, Policy Chairman of the City of London
Corporation, said this afternoon:
‘Our objective is to ensure the highway is cleared and this
issue is resolved peacefully. The church has changed its position
with regards to a camp being on its land, which means that we have
had to rethink as well.
‘So we have pressed the pause button so that discussions can
take place with protesters and others on how we can resolve the
problem we face as a local authority - namely camping on the public
highway.
‘The situation – as in any city – involves a lot of different
voices: for example, we are now receiving complaints from other
City users that they are being impacted: some businesses are
worried and some residents have complained. Some City workers have
also asked why a campsite is being allowed to continue.
‘There are also issues – for the moment well-managed - around
public hygiene etc, and all of this needs to be talked through and
solutions found.
‘But the real question is do you have the right to camp on a
public highway indefinitely? The protesters do not, and the City of
London Corporation – like any other local authority in London or
across the UK - has a legal obligation to maintain access to the
highway.
‘Clearly we need to have a look at all these issues – while
being ever mindful of our legal responsibility to maintain a
highway and the right of individuals to participate in lawful
protest. Let’s hope talks can produce some early acceptable
results. The first meetings with protesters’ representatives are
due this afternoon and we will take things day by day.’
Ends
Notes to editors
Press enquiries
Greg Williams
Head of Media for the City of London Corporation
Tel 020 7332 1455 Mob 07889 167 205