Shared service helps council secure end to occupation of flats by protesters

The OneSource Legal Department has successfully negotiated on behalf of the London Borough of Newham with a group of protesters to end their occupation of a block of flats.

The campaign group, Focus E15 mothers, has been protesting against demolition of the Carpenters Estate.

Together with other activists, they have occupied vacant flats at 80-86 Doran Walk since 21 September.

The group acknowledged they were trespassers but initially argued that the court should not make an interim possession order because it would unjustifiably interfere with their Article 10 (freedom of expression) and Article 11 (freedom of peaceful assembly) rights under the Human Rights Act.

OneSource Legal Department, the shared service between Newham and Havering councils which secured the interim possession order, described the procedures involved as a “legal minefield”.

It also said that, if trespassers were still in the property after 7 October, it would be “proactive on behalf of the council in seeking enforcement of the order through the swiftest possible legal route”.

The shared legal service is also advising Newham on the introduction of a temporary housing scheme before the whole estate is redeveloped.

According to a report in The Guardian, campaigner Sam Middleton said the occupation was not, ultimately, about staying indefinitely but about the group’s demands of Newham Council.

She added: “We will continue to fight to save the council housing and ensure decent housing for all.”