A little Police activity in advance of tomorrow with the Royal Exchange corner by Bank station being cordoned off to deal with a suspect package. The Police did a good job of not overreacting and kept the roads and stations open, which is hopefully a good sign for tomorrow. I got interviewed by a far-eastern news crew into the bargain but I’ve no idea which station they were from.
Archives for March 2009
Squaring up to the Square Mile
Well, the big day dawns tomorrow with the G20 protestors due in force. There was a small protest this morning down by the Bank of England which passed peacefully but I doubt that anybody’s going to lay a bet on tomorrow’s protests being trouble-free.
The Police have issued advice to City businesses and workers as to how to best protect themselves but if I have one thing to add it would be to plan a couple of other alternative routes home should it all kick off and your normal route home be closed. Seeing as I normally go to Bank Station I got my plans already laid.
If you want to know whether your office is likely to be targeted then Indymedia have a handy map which shows the locations of prominent companies and places. Mine’s on there so I’ll be stocking up on pepper spray to keep the oiks away from my snack drawer (i.e. another normal day in the office).
I hope to be out and about bringing you some photos and updates as long as we’re not barricaded in!
City of London Police G20 Protest Advice
http://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/CityPolice/Advice/BusinessAdvice/g20advice.htm
G20 Protest Map
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/03/425202.html
Large Fire Reported in Bream’s Buildings
There are reports of a large fire in the Bream’s Buildings in Chancery Lane on the City’s western border. Smoke has been seen pluming into the sky and eight fire appliances are at the scene tackling the blaze. Early reports suggest that the fire started at the Immigration and Appeals Commission.
Check Twitter for latest on the spot reactions…
What can you see? Post any comments below…
Sound of Church Bells Returns
Restored church bells have been consecrated and put in place at the Church of St Magnus the Martyr in Lower Thames Street. The service was conducted by the Bishop of London and attended by the Lord Mayor and sees the return of bells to this historic church for the first time in nearly 70 years.
The restoration of the bells came about after a successful campaign to raise £300,000. Listen out for their chimes across the City.