Remember when we released this video?
It is but a brief introduction to Transition Heathrow’s transformation of a land blighted by neglect into a thriving community-driven market garden. Perhaps you need a refresher? Lily explains the idea here.
This week to the dismay of the campaigners and residents alike, eviction papers have been served to “Grow Heathrow” on Vineries Close, Sipson.
Please read the following statement produced by Transition Heathrow and support their fight against eviction:
“Grow Heathrow” was occupied in March this year, after a history of social problems on the land, and has since been rejuvenated by residents and campaigners into a thriving community garden. Six months of hard work has seen 30 tonnes of rubbish removed, two 60ft greenhouses re-glazed and a host of events such as a banquet attended by 80 people.
The garden on Vineries Close is part of a wider project by Transition Heathrow to create more sustainable and resilient Heathrow villages after the dropping of the 3rd runway. The group is working to build long-term infrastructure and networks to deal with peak oil and the threat of climate change.
Transition Heathrow member Joe, 21, said:
“We are all extremely gutted to receive the eviction papers after all the hard work that has been put in to clear and make the site into a flourishing community garden. There’s so many possibilities for the space and potential to provide locally-grown, fresh vegetables in the villages We are calling on the support of local residents to sign the petition to save Grow Heathrow, give supporting testimonies and to attend the court hearing on the 2nd of September.
Local resident Linda McCutcheon, said:
“It’s been brilliant to see the site on Vineries Close come back to life after all the social issues from before. I’ve had a lot of fun with the group at the garden- turning it into a safe, positive and thriving place for Sipson- you should see the yellow courgettes! Transition Heathrow has a lot of support in this area and I’ll be with them over the next couple of weeks to ensure this exciting project has a future”.
On Saturday 28th August there will be a Q&A session at the Sipson recreation ground during the No Third Runway Victory Parade.
On Sunday 29th August from 4-6pm local MP John McDonnell will be hosting a public meeting at the Sipson Community Centre.
The following pictures document the positive transformation of the land and are a testament to the campaigners and residents hard work.
Show your support: sign the petition, email info@transitionheathrow.com with written testaments and show your solidarity outside Uxbridge County Court, 501 Uxbridge Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB4 8HL for the Court Hearing on September 2nd 2010 at 11am.
Please get in touch: info@transitionheathrow.com if you have any skills, ideas or experience to contribute in resisting this threat.
It is such a positive project, that works well at so many levels that it would be a tragedy if yet again bureaucracy wins over common sense.
You have done such a lot to lift the spirits of the local community and shown how much can be achieved by dedicated and committed people. Never mind the eviction threat, you have planted seeds that will continue to grow for years!
I love gardening and making dishes out of its harvest. Good, nutrient rich food can’t be beat.