Mixed views on sudden arrival of Cwtch Centre
TRADERS and residents had a mixed reaction to the sudden presence of squatters in Swansea city centre.
Opinions varied from encouraging what could be a new asset to the city's arts scene, to criticising the squatters for avoiding the rates other traders are subject to.
Crêpe Vine is a café a few doors down from what the squatters have called the Cwtch Community Centre, in the old Dolphin Hotel.
Manager of Crêpe Vine, Georgia Herbert, said: "Using it as an arts space is fine but it's just the café we might have a problem with.
"It might be hard to compete if they are providing free meals — would they have to deal with the same regulations as we do?"
But Crêpe Vine staff member Sarah Turner said: "Good for them.
"Swansea has got too many empty buildings."
Members of staff from another store stressed that Rev, the group's spokesman, was polite and completely considerate towards them after the group took control of the building.
"He has promised to keep us informed as the situation unfolds," said the woman, who asked not to be identified.
Aesthetic
"I welcome the idea as it might clean up the area and will improve the aesthetic value of their properties."
Others said the group was at fault for not going about the occupation the conventional way.
Patricia Jones, 67, a retired textile worker, from St Helen's Road, said: "I feel sorry if these people have no other homes to go to.
"If it was a properly set-up thing that would be fine.
"But it's not."
Another passer by, who asked to be known only as Neil, added: "I think it is an excellent idea. This building has been under-used.
"I have been in Swansea ten years and it's renowned.
"It is going to provide a useful community service for people.
"If it's allowed to flourish it will bring more people into town and I think the other traders would appreciate that."
In a statement the group said: "The community centre will constitute a free, safe space, dedicated to an array of community projects, underpinned by the concepts of sharing skills, knowledge and information.
"It will be open to individuals and groups who wish to engage in creative pursuits such as art and music as well as social events.
"This is the start of the project, where the residents of Swansea choose to go with this is up to them."
alex.smith@swwmedia.co.uk
20 Comments
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by hobbles
Monday, March 05 2012, 5:01PM
“What purpose do these people serve?”
by dick_e
Saturday, March 03 2012, 9:07PM
“@ maxmin: "Will someone from this group please say whether or not they are going to pay the legal bills"
If they are, as you keep saying, unemployed scum then how do you expect them to pay? The owners will claim it from their insurance companies don't you think?”
by maxmin
Thursday, March 01 2012, 10:32PM
“Will someone from this group please say whether or not they are going to pay the legal bills for the owners of the properties they are stealing.
Simple question can be answered by a yes or a no!”
by sipajones
Thursday, March 01 2012, 10:17PM
“So besides offending everyone, you're now bringing up people's personal histories? Smooth... real adult.”
by Hadoken1978
Thursday, March 01 2012, 7:41PM
“Poor Cwtch, in the space of 3 weeks they've been evicted from 3 properties, leaked sewage (and cost traders money) and caused people to spend 1000's of pounds evicting them. While they claim their dole and they've done nothing positive.
These low end anarchists are really living the dream!!
Led by a woman who had a mental breakdown 10 years ago and ended up working in charity shop.
CWTCH are by far the biggest jokes in the squatting world. What next guys, are you going to take over the big apple sand and bucket stall down the mumbles!!!”
by sipajones
Monday, February 13 2012, 3:39AM
“Maximus19 - It's Sunday, the second open mic night of wonderful music, talks and celebrations... Methinks you were wrong/lying afterall...”
by hadoken1977
Friday, February 10 2012, 1:43PM
“http://tinyurl.com/6srz4z7
Oh look another member from cwtch trying to defend themselves by citing the unknown
Successful people don't carricade themselves into disused buildings and break into them ok.
Now go back to your deluded commune.”
by dick_e
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 11:14PM
“There's a very small minority of narrow minded people who come on here and continually spout utter nonsense time after time, day after day. You've made your points and expressed your views quite clearly, it has now become very boring and tedious reading such inane drivel as;
"I overheard...blah blah"
"Food"" being served "E coli...."
"Bunch of losers..."
"No wonder Swansea is going down..."
"get off your backsides and get a proper job like everyone else."
"..posh brats"
What a load of unfounded rubbish. These are just your own assumptions, none of what you say has ANY basis of fact behind it whatsoever. You don't know these people AT all and I very much doubt you wouldn't go to this place to find out for yourselves what its like, so how dare you write such downright LIES.
Shame on YOU”
by GSVale
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 5:43PM
“Really bored of these posh brats now, get a grip EP”
by Maximus19
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 12:30PM
“A neighbour of mine who is a civilian Police worker informs me that plans have been drawn up to evict these squatters by the end of this week”