GROUNDED AT HEATHROW

The action group Transition Heathrow have been granted a month extension in their fight against the eviction of a squatted garden. The guerilla gardners had set roots at an abandoned market garden on 1st of March (see SchNEWS 736). The locality at the time was under threat by plans for a third Heathrow runway but fortunately, as March drew to an end so did BAA’s runaway plans.

This Thursday (2nd) the green fingered activists were due at Uxbridge court after being served eviction papers. Over 50 people showed up to support the gardeners’ fight against eviction. The high flyers have got at least a 28-day long hiatus as the court awaits the return of the land owner, who is rumoured to be away in India.

The ‘Grow Heathrow’ project has encouraged and supported locally grown produce in an area that was once one of the most productive in Britain but has since been laid to waste. Since the garden was established, residents and activists have joined forces to change a derelict area into a flourishing market garden, a community hub and a model of sustainable living and self-sufficiency. 30 tonnes of rubbish have been cleared away and two greenhouses built. There have also been activities such as permaculture courses, growing workshops, bike workshops, clothes making, solidarity support for local workers and direct action workshops.

The case has been adjourned to the Central London County Court after the Deputy District Judge ruled that higher authority was needed to rule on the case. So, for now, the community can continue to enjoy its harvest even if the future remains uncertain.

* See www.transitionheathrow.com