Occupy LSX to appeal court's eviction decision

It is understood that the group will seek leave to appeal in the Court of Appeal today (19 January).

Mr Justice Lindblomrefused the protestors permission to appeal, but accepted that they can renew their applications directly to the court.  The City of London Corporation (COLC) has said it will not enforce eviction until leave to appeal has been sought.

Handing down the judgment, Lindblom J said that the COLC had no choice but to try to evict the protestors after giving them ample opportunity to remove the protest camp without the need for time and money to be spent in legal proceedings. He added that the corporation had acted both “fairly and responsibly”.

The corporation filed High Court proceedings against the protestors in November, after the Occupy LSX group failed to leave the camp. Negotiations between the parties fell through when they could not agree on terms to clear the camp, which the COLC claims is blocking public highways that it owns.

The group, which is campaigning against corporate greed, has been occupying the site since 15 October 2011 (15 November 2011).

John Cooper QC of 25 Bedford Row acted for the protestors, instructed by Karen Todner of Kaim Todner Solicitors.

Landmark Chambers’ David Forsdick advised the corporation, with the work being led in-house by City solicitor and comptroller Andrew Colvin.