Community action celebrated

On the August 5, 1874 the people of Portsmouth rose up and took back a piece of Southsea Common that had been fenced off by the Pier Company preventing local people from accessing the beach.

The uprising turned into a battle between citizens and authorities which lasted for four days. However the citizens were successful and the land remains common land to this day.

To mark this example of citizens collectively standing up for their rights and fighting unjust decisions Unite Community members in Portsmouth are holding a family picnic and celebration on Southsea common on Wednesday August 5.

Community members will be on Southsea Common from 2 pm on Wednesday August 5 for a family fun picnic. The day will be about celebrating Southsea Common, which is an important space in the lives of the people in Portsmouth.

They will also be highlighting the work of Unite Community members who have been active in campaigns such as stopping cuts the SureStart scheme and collecting money and essential goods for women’s refuges.

Unite Community coordinator Kelly Tomlinson said, “People have access to Southsea Common as a result of the community taking action collectively to oppose an unjust act by those in power.

“And although we don’t advocate the violence, now more than ever the community needs to get together collectively to challenge the attacks this government is making through cuts and austerity.

“These attacks are affecting some of the most vulnerable in our society and are now impacting on people in work.

“So bring your family for an afternoon of games and fun and meet others from the community.”

The event is on from 2pm, Wednesday August 5. You will see the Unite gazebo by the skate park on Southsea Common.