Council ‘secures’ Bristol’s Bearpit roundabout from squatters
Bristol City Council says it has “secured” the city’s notorious Bearpit roundabout following weeks of occupation by squatters.
Police cordoned off the space, which is officially called St James Barton roundabout, yesterday afternoon (June 18).
According to Mayor Marvin Rees, the intervention was in response to squatters who had created “a toxic and dangerous environment”.
He said their presence in the roundabout had “negatively” impacted local traders and left members of the public too afraid to walk through.
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said following the intervention of the police, the squatters had left of their own accord.
The spokesperson added contractors are now working to remove structures and shipping containers that have been left in the Bearpit by previous tenants.
Why the squatters occupied the Bearpit:
However, this does not include Ursa the bear - a popular sculpture that people have argued should remain in the Bearpit.