Judge orders eviction of Bridgwater Odeon cinema occupiers

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 8 Oct, 16:24 · Archive

A judge has ordered occupiers of Bridgwater's former Odeon cinema to leave, overriding arguments that they protect the building.

A judge at Somerset County Court in Taunton has ruled that unauthorised occupiers of Bridgwater's former Odeon cinema must leave the building. The hearing on Wednesday 7 October concerned a possession order issued by the building's owner, Orlieu Solutions Limited, in June. Two occupiers identified as Alex and Dean told the court that around ten people have been living at the property for several months, with a further twenty helping to protect and repair it. The cinema, which closed in 2022, had been empty for four years and suffered vandalism and arson incidents.

The occupiers argued they should be allowed to remain as custodians or guardians of the dilapidated art deco building. The Bridgwater History and Civic Society wrote to the court opposing eviction, warning that removing the occupants would leave the building vulnerable to vandalism and fire. However, representatives of Orlieu Solutions Limited pressed for an immediate eviction order.

The judge ruled against the occupiers, telling them: 'You accepted you don't have a right to occupy the building.' The case, listed as Aubrey Weis versus Person Unknown, had been delayed since its first hearing in August due to disagreement over evidence of the building's ownership.

How it is being reported

• Cinema occupiers may 'peacefully resist' eviction as judge orders them to leaveBridgwater cinema occupiers face imminent eviction after a County Court judge ruled for the owner, despite safety and maintenance concerns.Bridgwater Mercury · 8 Oct, 16:00
• Cinema occupiers may 'peacefully resist' eviction as judge orders them to leaveBridgwater cinema occupiers face imminent eviction after a County Court judge ruled for the owner, despite safety and maintenance concerns.Somerset County Gazette · 8 Oct, 16:00
• Former Bridgwater Odeon at centre of court battle as heritage groups oppose evictionUnauthorised occupiers at Bridgwater’s former Odeon cinema face eviction hearing as heritage groups warn of vandalism and fire risk if they leaveBridgwater Mercury · 7 Oct, 10:32

In this story: Bridgwater · Bridgwater History and Civic Society · Orlieu Solutions Limited · Somerset County Court

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