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Village Refuses to Die: Community Centre Opens Despite Eviction Threat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contacts: Grattan Puxon, Secretary, Dale Farm Housing Association (01206 523528)      
Richard Sheridan, President of the Gypsy Council (07747417711) 

Dale Farm, a virtual village and the UK's biggest Traveller's community remains under a threat of a £3 million eviction and demolition operation by Basildon District Council.

Mr Justice Collins has not yet issued his Ruling in the Judicial review of Basildon's "clear out the Travellers" policy, which the Gypsy Council has labeled ethnic-cleansing.

 The latest official count (January 2008) recorded 132 unauthorised chalets, mobile-homes and caravans on the 52 properties which comprise the Dale Farm development.

However, thanks to a substantial grant from Essex County Council, and the sponsorship of Essex Racial Equality Council Dale Farm this week built  its own community centre. The official opening is on Saturday (see Invitation below).

It will be used for youth and adult classes in various subjects, including IT, and as a Chapel for Dale Farm's Catholic residents.

Dale Farm Community Centre

Saint Christopher's

++++++++++ 

GRAND OPENING

Takes place on Saturday, 3 May, 1pm

Funded by Essex County Council (Youth Opportunity Fund & Youth capital Fund)

Sponsored by Essex Racial Equality Council

Welcome by Richard Sheridan, President of the Gypsy Council.

Opening Ceremony by Lord Avebury, architect of the Caravan Sites Act and member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Traveller Law Reform

Blessing by Father John Glynn

Clive Mardner Essex  Racial Equality Council 

Dale Farm Housing Association cordially invites you to be here!

Buffet lunch

Beer Sponsored by

Kingfisher Lager

INDIA'S PREMIUM LAGER

RSVP dale.farm@btinternet.com

Dale Farm is located at Oak Road,

Crays Hill, Essex, postal code CM11 2YH

Directions:

By road take the A127 Southend road to Basildon, turn left onto Gardener Land North, left again into Oak Road and left into Oak Lane.

By train: Southend train out of Liverpool Street, get off at Wickford (35 minutes). Taxis available (£6), lifts by arrangement.

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