Indymedia York

The autonomous arts space is certainly an accurate description with all of this wonderful artwork being produced. These photos were all taken late last night. There's more art stuff being brought down to the space on Saturday, and in the afternoon we'll have the full gallery open. Everyone in York will be welcome to come and see what we have planned.

Breaking News: The Council Have Now Threatened Eviction - Events still happening as planned.

A rich man's heart is a ghetto. An anarchists heart is a kingdom.The Bonding Warehouse in York city centre was yet again squatted on Saturday December 9th as an Autonomous Arts Space with the space being used for events and the creation and display of artwork. A full calendar of events are planned up until December 16th when a final party is planned.

An email sent out by the group explains: "The Bonding Warehouse has been a derelict building for years and to celebrate Christmas this year it has been turned into a social centre for the benefit of the local community. Why should a building like this be owned by just one person (who lets it rot) when it could be used for the benefit of the public?"

The Warehouse with the Ouse in FloodThe social centre is proving to be very popular, with up to 25 people visiting at any one time and events being well attended. Organised by students and locals alike, this has clearly been a great experience for many with over 50 people already passing through the doors.

Up until Wednesday 13th there was no sign of the owners (York Council) or the cops. However the council have expressed an interest in closing the centre down and a meeting was called to discuss the response. A local community support officer also called round to have a nosy, but was aware of the squatters rights and simply tried to take names.

Night fell hours ago, its actually still warmer outside than inside, and there's now only six of us. But hey, such is life in a York squat. Which is not exactly how I expected it to be, even as a vaguely experienced squatter.

I'm looking out of the window at the river running past. I can't remember hearing of a squat with such wonderful views. The river might technically still be in flood, but its much lower than it was before. Earlier we stood on the rickety first floor balcony drinking and listening to an impromptu guitar performance (the first of two) and watching normality around us. Its ironic, perhaps, that we can see the Magistrates' clock tower from here.

At around 12:30 on Wednesday 13th December, a representative of the council came to the Bonding Warehouse and expressed his desire that the building be vacated so that private investors can be shown around to begin the process of turning the place into another Temple of Capital in the city.

A few members of the collective had a chat with him and he has agreed not to call the police if we agree to leave by Sunday night. We are going to phone him this evening with a decision.

There will be a meeting this afternoon at 4:00 in the Bonding Warehouse to decide what course of action to take. Everyone who has an interest in this building, and the projects we have planned is invited to attend.

The Bonding Warehouse Social Centre continues with up to 25 people visiting at any time. The sleeping rota now looks very healthy, and events are well attended. While the squat is currently not doing food, some has arrived, and donations are more than welcome. On the over hand, there's plenty of blankets for anyone else who wants to stay over and experience real life in a social centre.

Curiously, there's been still no sign of the police, owners or bailiffs. These are positive signs for what could become a key part of York's social terrain in the next few weeks. Those involved are looking forwards to a big finish to the first week when bands and DJ's perform on Saturday night.

A group of students have reclaimed the Bonding Warehouse on Skeldergate as an Autonomous Arts Space. They entered the building on Saturday and began cleaning up the space to make it ready for a week of events. The public are welcome to visit the building, drink tea and take part in the planned events.

An email sent out by group explains: "The Bonding Warehouse has been a derelict building for years and to celebrate Christmas this year it has been turned into a social centre for the benefit of the local community. Why should a building like this be owned by just one person (who lets it rot) when it could be used for the benefit of the public?"