Transition Heathrow is a grassroots action group working to build resilient Heathrow communities, capable of collectively coping with the injustices and threats of climate change and peak oil.

Residents Association support ‘Grow Heathrow’ in eviction threat

Posted: November 15th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Media | Tags: , , | No Comments »

PRESS RELEASE: Days before ‘Grow Heathrow’ go to court, which could lead to eviction of the Sipson community garden, residents’ group Harmondsworth and Sipson Residents Association (HASRA) have come out strongly in support of the project.

‘Grow Heathrow’ first took over the former-market garden site on Vineries Close, Sipson, in March 2010 after years of neglect causing social problems in the area. Residents and the Transition Heathrow group cleared up the land removing 30 tonnes of rubbish and began running the space as a community-hub and garden.

The landowner Imran Malik has now decided to take ‘Grow Heathrow’ to court and try to remove the community project. The project is due in court this Thursday. Supporters are being encouraged to show their support outside court at 9.30am.

Harmondsworth and Sipson Residents Association has published a letter defending the Sipson gardeners stating:

“We would strenuously encourage Mr Imran Malik to sell the land to members of Grow Heathrow” and “any attempts to use the site for improper business ventures, as has been done in the past, will receive strong opposition from the residents of the villages.”

The letter added:

“The people involved with this project (Grow Heathrow) have transformed the site. In the process they have created a much-needed community hub for local people who have spent years living under threat of destruction due to proposals for a third runway at Heathrow Airport. Their tireless efforts and support have regenerated enthusiasm for community working that inspires the many people who visit.

Grow Heathrow campaigner Alex Goldsman said:

“We really don’t want to see the land go back to causing the problems it did before. It’s brilliant to get support from HASRA who we’ve been working with the last few years- as well as John McDonnell MP, members of Hillingdon Council and the .ComCafé in West Drayton. We put in an offer to buy the land last year as we really want to make Grow Heathrow a long-term community project.”

ENDS

For more information and interviews please contact: 07890751568 or press@transitionheathrow.com

Notes to editors

  •  Grow Heathrow are in court this Thursday 17th November 2011, at Uxbridge County Court, 501 Uxbridge Road, Hayes, UB4 8HL. The hearing starts at 10.30am but supporters and journalists are being encouraged to get down to the court for around 9.30am for a show of support and photo opportunity.
  •  The full HASRA letter can be downloaded from HERE.

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