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Occupy Thanet in Turner Contemporary protest

By: KentOnline reporter multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 11:12, 30 December 2011

Updated: 10:38, 30 January 2012

Occupy Thanet movement outside the Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate.

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.

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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.

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