Protesters in Finsbury Square

Occupy London protesters evicted from Finsbury Square in Islington

Thursday, June 14, 2012
7:58 AM

Occupy London protesters have finally been evicted from Finsbury Square in north London after seven months.

The clearout of the anti-capitalist activists was organised by Islington Council after court action to remove the group.

The camp made up of around 135 tents and a wooden structure was set up on the public land in October as an extension of the Occupy movement’s protest in St Paul’s Churchyard, which ended in eviction in February.

The area was cleared by a private security company.

Two weeks ago a judge heard the protest had caused £20,000 damage to the land, cost the council £26,000 on security, and lost it £12,000 in rent plus income from the square’s restaurant which had to close.

Councillor Paul Convery, Islington Council’s executive member for community safety, said: “Finsbury Square is public space for the people of Islington, one of Britain’s most deprived boroughs.

“We’re returning the square to community use, and it is being cleaned and will soon be reopened to the public for the summer.

“Today’s enforcement action was peaceful and low-key, and I’d like to thank the police, our street outreach team, and other partner organisations for their help.

“A number of vulnerable and homeless people have been living in the square. We have been speaking to them and offering advice and support to those who need assistance.”