Cathedral protesters go before order takes effect

The group, which calls itself Occupy Sheffield, first pitched camp outside the church in the city centre on November 5, when around 50 people were involved.

Since then the numbers taking part have steadily reduced, leaving a hardcore of around ten “anti-capitalist” protesters refusing to heed pleas from the Cathedral to move on.

On Friday, Sheffield Cathedral said it had been granted “an order for possession” of the cathedral forecourt which would have been effective from 4pm today.

But the protest actually broke up on Saturday afternoon, with campers saying they planned to move to the city’s derelict Salvation Army citadel.

Occupy Sheffield is currently squatting in the building on Cross Burgess Street and said it planned to remain in what it called its “citadel of hope”.

Late last month the Cathedral had taken the protesters to court and an official eviction hearing was due to take place on February 21 if protesters remained on the site.

Nobody from the group was available for comment, but a statement on its website said last night: “By Monday, the occupation on Cathedral Square will be gone, but Occupy Sheffield will continue.

“The snow has been fun, but the threat of over £100,000 of High Court costs, and the cathedral’s answer to peaceful, public protest as eviction has made the decision easier.

“Our stand against excessive greed and corruption of our democracy continues. Since November 5 thousands of people have come to show their support for the camp in many ways.”

In a statement, the Dean of Sheffield Cathedral, Peter Bradley, said: “The cathedral is relieved that plans in place for the forecourt can now progress.

“We will continue to liaise with Occupy Sheffield. Sheffield Cathedral is committed to ongoing work with the homeless and vulnerable of Sheffield, and to promoting social and economic justice.”

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