Occupy Thanet in Turner Contemporary protest
A movement which has swept the
globe has arrived... in Thanet!
The Occupy movement came to
Margate on Friday, with an occupation outside Kent's most famous
new art gallery.
Members of the newly-formed
protest group set up camp outside the Turner Contemporary Gallery,
with tents and banners.
Their aim, they say, is to draw
attention to injustice on a national and local level.
One member stated: "Occupy
Thanet was set up in response to the many Occupy movements that are
taking place across the world.
"This Occupation is a chance for
people in Thanet to make their voices heard and to make a stand
against the cuts and injustices both globally and
locally."
Initially, Turner staff tried to
stop the occupation and the police were called, but the police
confirmed the protestors were breaking no law by taking up their
position outside Margate’s high profile art gallery.
Retired health worker Filiz McNamara said "I’m very
concerned about the ongoing cuts to the health service which will
make the inequalities in Thanet much worse. I completely support
the aims of the Occupy movement who are calling attention to the
terrible injustices in our society."
Visitors to the camp have included the mayor of Margate,
Iris Johnson, and local Tory MP Roger Gale.
Jon Snow, the Channel Four news
presenter attending the Turner for the opening of a new exhibition,
also visited the occupation and talked to the
protestors.
Local traders have given Occupy
members food and many passersby have expressed their
support.
30/01/12
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