Homes Under Threat Conference In Leeds

Today we attended a unique event in Leeds. Campaigners from almost every pathfinder area threatened with demolition got together in Leeds to compare notes, experience and discuss tactics in the ongoing battle against mass demolition in the north of England.

Chaired by Liz Richardson from the University of Manchester delegates discussed how local councils, unelected quangos, government departments and millionaire developers were destroying communities and making profit from bulldozing homes across the north. Reports from groups illustrated how local councils were using all kinds of tactics to get homeowners to sell and tennants to leave.

Elizabeth Pascoe made reference to her battle in Liverpool against the council and English Partnerships. 

A detailled legal briefing was given by a QC and expert in defeating compulsory purchase orders. 

Afternoon workshops on planning and freedom of information were also well attended.

The key point of the day was that our small campaign against demolition in Gateshead is actually a large national movement of groups all over the north. 

Links

Liverpool Post on Demolition