A COUNCIL has apologised after campaigners’ property, including a didger- idoo, was sent to be incinerated.
Police and Newcastle City Council workers swooped on the Occupy Newcastle camp at the city’s Grey’s Monument on Tuesday morning.
High winds had made the camp a hazard, and police and council workers say no demonstrators were there at the time.
Therefore, tents, bedding, donated items and even a didgeridoo were promptly sent to be burned, despite claims that officers were trying to track down protesters.
Campaigners say “spite” was behind the move, and they plan to ramp up their demonstration as a result.
Occupy spokesman Tobias Oates, 36, from Newcastle, said: “No one was here because the people who had been here overnight had left early before replacements arrived.
“Our things were taken immediately to Byker tip and I went directly to the tip to see if we could salvage something.
“I was then told all of our things had been taken away for immediate incineration.
“We are shocked and indignant but it has prompted us to transform the protest and move it on to the next stage.”
Fellow protester Rachel Kirk, 39, added: “It feels spiteful. “If anyone thinks this is going to squash us then they are wrong. We will rise up.”
The council’s executive director of environment and regeneration David Slater said: “During this week’s high winds the materials left at the Monument were starting to become a risk to the public and, following a request from Northumbria Police, our city centre team removed and disposed of them.
“During this process some were claimed. However, in hindsight, we should have stored the remaining materials in a safe location so they could be collected at a later date, and we apologise to both Occupy Newcastle and anyone else who donated items.
“If any individuals feel they have suffered the loss of personal items they should contact our Envirocall telephone hotline. We’ll continue to talk to the group about managing future protests should they take place.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Darren Sweeney, added: “Due to the heavy winds which were blowing items from the camp, it was necessary for officers to take immediate action to prevent anyone becoming injured by the debris.
“Unfortunately, when this happened there wasn’t anyone from the Occupy Newcastle demonstration present to assist.
“The city council were informed and staff attended and removed the camp and property for safety reasons. We have been made aware that the items have since been destroyed.
“Our officers have had a very positive relationship with the Occupy Newcastle demonstrators throughout and, earlier this week, I held a productive meeting with representatives about this situation.”
