Overview
- An open letter published Monday asks organisers to give Epping “breathing space” so the high street can return to normal after weeks of demonstrations.
- The appeal was signed by the group leaders of Epping Forest District Council, the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, the leader of Essex County Council, the Epping Town Mayor and the local MP.
- Signatories cite well-documented instances of lawlessness, rising anxiety among residents and disruption to local businesses from twice-weekly protests.
- The Court of Appeal last week refused the district council permission to take its case to the Supreme Court, leaving an earlier ruling in place that allows about 138 asylum seekers to remain at the Bell Hotel.
- A full hearing of the council’s legal claim is scheduled for the week of October 13, while the resident at the centre of the case, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, was convicted of five offences and is due to be sentenced on September 23.