Hoxton is preparing to give the Occupy London protesters a mixed reception from local businesses [P1] should they relocate to the area. Hoxton Square has been proposed as a possible venue should they be evicted from their St Paul’s Cathedral camp.
Hoxton’s proximity to The City and demographic of young professionals has landed it on the shortlist drawn up at the camp’s general assembly yesterday, along with other candidates Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, Imperial War Museum and Victoria Park.
Lee Goodwin, manager of Hoxton Square bar, Electricity Showroom, said: “I’m personally all for the protests so if it needs to be done, it needs to be done.” But he fears businesses will suffer: “It could be pretty bad for business, it all depends on whether the police close roads.”
Despite reports claiming the make shift camp is costing St Paul’s as much as 70 per cent [P2] in revenue, the protesters are keen to stay put and are liaising with the police, fire brigade and St Paul’s Cathedral to find a solution. “The further away from The City we get the less influential the camp will be,” said media liaison officer, Phil Mckeenan. “We want to bend over backwards for the authorities because we are so grateful to have this space.” Yesterday the camp complied with fire and safety regulations by clearing all rubbish and separating tents.
“We are concerned about the reports of revenue loss and are discussing ways to reimburse the cathedral. The possibility of a benefit concert has been discussed, as well as paying ‘rent’ for using their space.”
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