The beautifully tended squatted community garden in Sipson, Heathrow has been served a court summons for eviction.

On the 1st of March this year the neglected plot on the planned site of the third runway was reclaimed, and for the last six months the Transition Heathrow team have worked with residents to rejuvenate, nay transform, the former market garden. They have shifted over 30 tonnes of rubbish from the site and set it to growing seasonal food, hosting workshops, teaching permaculture skills and even laying on a banquet for eighty people!

This ‘Grow Heathrow‘ project is part of a budding land movement in the UK linking communities who are taking back control of our food production, as well, of course, as supporting the successful No Third Runway campaign.

Their work in building resilience into the community is a great example of developing alternatives to the dominant system which is hurling us all towards environmental (and economic) catastrophe.

They are in negotiations with the landowners for long-term community ownership, but in the meantime they need our support. They ask for three things:

1. Sign their petition

2. Email them at info@transitionheathrow.com with a supportive testimony for the project

3. Attend their court date and show solidarity: 2nd of September in Uxbridge County Court at 11am

Also email info@transitionheathrow.com if you have any skills, ideas or experience to contribute in resisting this threat.

Spread the word.

Edit – 27 Aug – Indymedia have posted an excellent article on the situation

Edit – 2 Sept – Eviction adjourned as local MP and residents defend site, and Deputy District Judge rules that higher authority is needed to rule on the case. More details + video here.

Edit – 23 Jan 2011 – Next court date set for November 2011 – the next ten months are assured! More information here.