Police storm Brixton arches planning meeting as councillors are glitter-bombed

Police were called in after protesters glitter-bombed councillors for approving proposals to redevelop Brixton’s historic railway arches.

Officers entered the council meeting hall amid chaotic scenes after campaigners forced their way inside following the six-to-one vote in favour.

Several protesters stood on chairs to fling red glitter at councillors and officers, while others hurled plastic googly eyes at the panel as they chanted: “We’re watching you.”

Committee members were escorted through a back door of the council’s temporary base at the Karibu centre, opposite Brixton Academy, as the 50 activists were ushered outside.

Tory Bernard Gentry, who voted for the plans, tweeted: “Something’s wrong when councillors carrying out their democratic duty require police protection at Lambeth planning meetings.”

He told the Standard: “Some council officers were very concerned for their safety, as they live in the area and were worried they’d be followed. It’s not as bad as the trouble in the 1980s, when people got into physical fights but it seems to be going that way, with the increasing levels of fear and intimidation used.”

Labour’s Malcolm Clark, who also backed the plan, said: “Thanks to the police and our staff for ensuring the safety of council officers and councillors. Abuse and intimidation of Lambeth officers is unacceptable.”

The chaos followed a tense three-hour discussion about Network Rail’s plan to convert nine railway arches between Brixton Station Road and Atlantic Road into a “mini mall” of brick and glass shops, cafes and delis.

Critics accuse the firm of “cashing in” on the area’s gentrification by evicting long-term local traders, with the loss of 50 small businesses and up to 150 jobs. Tenants — including a pawnbroker, minicab office, hairdresser, takeaways, a Moroccan restaurant and a church — have been given notice to quit, with building due to start next month.

NR says they can return once the year-long upgrade is done. But their below-market rents will be increased gradually till they reach market levels, which some believe will prevent their return.

Trader Malek Menad, 52, who has sold curtains from his Soft Furnishings store for 20 years, said: “This will affect hundreds of workers like me.

“My business has been there since 1948. It’s one of the oldest in Brixton and this will change my entire life.

“They have offered me storage but that will only rot my stock.”

Cab firm boss Mohammed Khan, 56, who has 40 employees, said: “We will all be on the street. My future is bleak. This is not democracy.”

The Met said officers attended the scene and no arrests were made.