Mariam Kamish, Caerphilly Trades Union Council secretary
Men in council polo shirts appeared, as if by magic. “You can’t bring banners and placards in here”, the receptionist said. “And you can’t take pictures.”
“We paid for this building”, said Kenny Matthews, fresh from giving a speech outside. Many voices echoed: “That’s right”.
The massive Caerphilly Trades Union Council banner cast a shadow over the desk. All around the foyer, people were holding ‘Save Abertridwr Library’ posters.
Banned
The council communications officer came down to see us. We told him our campaign had been banned from meeting in the library. Our first objective was to overturn the ban.
He tried to offer us a single meeting. We said we needed the right to meet whenever we wanted during opening hours. He cast a glance at Ben Patel, who was filming – and said he’d see what he could do.
Taxis
Outside, Leah, from Relay Taxis, had laid on free transport.
She said: “We will put up your posters in our windows, and publish on our page. Whenever you guys need transport, just give us a call. We’re happy to help by whatever means necessary. Without the community, Relay wouldn’t be where we are. Take advantage of us.”
Thank you to Relay, and to the Socialist paper for reporting our fight. We’re struggling to make the local press take notice.
The council has usable reserves to keep services running, while they band together with other councils to demand the funding they need. We intend to build this fight – and take it all the way to victory.
