Westfield protestors move caravans off Urban Garden (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Westfield protestors move caravans off Urban Garden

9:57pm Tuesday 3rd July 2012 in Bradford By Tanya O'Rourke

Protesters occupying the site of a proposed shopping centre in Bradford for more than a month who were moved off the site after developer Westfield was granted a Court order to evict them have tonight packed up their caravans which they had moved into the Urban Garden.

The Occupy Westfield group left the building site shortly after the decision at Bradford County Court, and moved their equipment and caravans on to the neighbouring Urban Garden, which is currently leased to Bradford Council.

At a meeting tonight the group decided to move off the Urban Garden and continue its protest online.

Occupy Westfield’s legal adviser, Alias Yousaf, of Chambers Solicitors, Bradford, said the group had not wanted to see public money spent on proceedings to have them evicted from the Urban Garden. Members also felt their caravans would be an eyesore if left there.

“Although it would probably be more visible than it was in Westfield, they have decided to continue their efforts online,” he said.

“The caravans would not look pretty and they don’t want the local authority to spend valuable public money on court proceedings.”

He said it was not the end for the group and residents should “watch this space” when the next meeting of the full council is held.