Dale Farm Bid For Heritage Status Rejected

Residents of Dale Farm have had their application for English Heritage protection rejected.

They had applied for protection status for the scaffolding at the entrance to their illegal site in Essex.

The tower is part of their defences against the Basildon Council's planned eviction.

Supporters say it has become an emblem of the struggle for travellers' rights at Dale Farm, while the council see this as another cynical attempt to disrupt their planned eviction.

One of the supporters, Ali Saunders, said: "The unique relationship built up between the settled and traveller community during the last four weeks is symbolised by the gateway, which has become crucial in the struggle to keep their homes."

The application argues that "the Dale Farm gateway is part of history in the making".

The structure is adorned with banners and posters, and during the initial eviction date some supporters locked themselves onto the structure to resist the bailiffs' entry.

However, Heritage Minister John Penrose said: "Although clearly a structure which is significant for the travellers at Dale Farm, the tubular steel, wood and rubber construction holds no special architectural or historic interest and does not therefore meet the criteria for listing."

Cllr Tony Ball, leader of the council, had spoken out against the application saying it was "another attempt to make a mockery of the planning process".

The clearance of Dale Farm was due to begin last week but an injunction preventing bailiffs moving in is currently in place while appeals are heard at the High Court.

A judge ruled earlier this week that residents were entitled to an extension of an injunction blocking evictions until the courts have ruled on the legality of their removal on Thursday.

Dale Farm resident Kathleen McCarthy said: "We're here to fight for our rights to a normal family life, for our children to get an education and for us to have security for our homes.

"The tower is all that stands between ourselves and the bailiffs.

"As long as it remains standing, we know that there are people outside our community who still care about our rights."