Hundreds march against Dale Farm evictions

Dave Murray, Basildon Socialist Party

Click for gallery. Stop constant evictions: hundreds march against Dale Farm evictions of travellers, 10 September 2011, photo Paul Mattsson   (Click to enlarge)

"In 100 years we've never had so much support," said Grattan Puxon of the Gypsy Council, addressing the hundreds of people who marched in opposition to the evictions at Dale Farm on Saturday 10 September.

The defiant but festive tone of the march was set by the Travellers who led the procession with their banner - "No ethnic cleansing" - and taken up by their supporters.

There was a large and visible police presence, backed up by a reserve force which included mounted and armed officers.

The local newspaper had billed the demo as a potential flashpoint for some unspecified "trouble". Thus, a number of shops in the town centre of Wickford, through which the demo marched, were closed.

Undismayed, scores of local people gathered to watch the march pass, enduring no more than sunshine, samba and appeals for solidarity.

At a very uncertain time for the residents of Dale Farm, the march provided a welcome boost in morale.

For more info: www.dalefarm.wordpress.com

Dale Farm Solidarity has asked for supporters to be at Dale Farm on 19 September, which is believed to be the eviction date.

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