Homelessness Protesters Occupy Another Bank – In Birkenhead

A group of squatters calling themselves the “Love Activists” have taken over a disused bank in Hamilton Square, Birkenhead. Around half-a-dozen protesters occupied the former Barclay’s Bank on Monday morning saying they intend to open for the homeless.

The Love Activists took over the empty Bank of England building in Castle Street, Liverpool, for two weeks in September of 2015 before they were evicted.

On their Facebook page the activists wrote: “Coming up to two years since the love bank opened its doors. Solidarity to everyone on the streets. Birkenhead bank squatters are providing bed and breakfast for those around Liverpool Birkenhead area. Old Barclays Bank, 50 Hamilton Square, Birkenhead. Until evicted. Donations welcome I guess.”

They continued: “There’s approximately 1.1m empty commercial properties in the UK so why is there a homeless crisis. Well the homeless crisis was manufactured. There’s enough empty buildings in the UK, it’s just there’s no money to be made by people being housed.”

One of the activists, speaking from an open window, said: “We don’t support fracking in this country and I don’t think anyone else does in any other countries. So we plan to open this as a homeless shelter. Free bed and breakfast, so yeah, get the word out.”

When asked by police what their intentions were, she said: “We intend to open this as a bed and breakfast for all the rough sleepers in Birkenhead and Liverpool. The window was open so, you know, what can you do? There’s lots of empty buildings you see and too many homeless people. This is a political protest.”

Merseyside Police said: “At around 5.45pm, a small number of people entered a commercial property in Hamilton Square and are conducting a protest. Officers are currently making attempts to engage with the group and will continue to monitor the situation as the safety of the public is our main priority.”