Karen#1
Well-known member
Alex Barnes-Ross has another important update for us regarding the future of protests at Scientology’s UK headquarters…
As many of you know, last year
Scientology filed for a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which
would effectively ban protesting outside Saint Hill, their UK
headquarters. Since their application was made, we have been embroiled
in a lengthy process during which protestors, local residents and
Scientology event attendees were asked to provide their thoughts on
whether a ban is necessary.
At the protest outside
Scientology’s annual IAS (International Association of Scientologists)
gala last year, Mid-Sussex District Council (MSDC) observers were
present to observe our activities, and since then they have been
carefully reviewing all the evidence gathered — including liaison with
Sussex Police, the West Sussex County Council (WSCC) Highways authority
and other key stakeholders. On 10th April, I and a handful of others met
with the Council to present our case and answer questions about our
demonstration and shortly after, a similar meeting was held between the
Council and Scientology’s representatives.
In order for a PSPO to
be implemented, there needs to be clear evidence of “persistent, ongoing
disruption” (such as anti-social behaviour) that existing Police powers
are not sufficient enough to deal with. The case we presented to the
Council argues that in the last six years, there have only been two
protests outside Saint Hill and at both events, Police were present
across all three days and there have been no arrests, cautions or
warnings. The protests were both peaceful, and steps were taken to
mitigate any potential disruption to local residents and event
attendees.
After carefully reviewing the evidence and hearing
arguments from both sides, Mid-Sussex District Council have asked us to
consider implementing a ‘voluntary code of conduct’, which requires
agreement from both protestors and Scientology. This has not been
presented as an alternative to a PSPO, but our response will be
considered as part of the decision-making process, and will impact their
assessment on whether a PSPO is necessary.
Based on our response,
Council Officers will produce a report with their recommendations for
elected officials to vote on. If they decide to go ahead, the next steps
will involve a wider public consultation period, equalities impact
assessments and further scrutiny, with the alternative being that no
PSPO is necessary and therefore no additional restrictions being put in
place.
I wanted to share the latest letter from the Council with
The Underground Bunker to ask for readers’ feedback and comments on the
proposed ‘voluntary code’, which will be used to inform my response on
behalf of our community. So please, leave your comments below!
— Alex Barnes-Ross
Dear Protester,
Re: Meeting at Mid-Sussex District Council 10th April 2025.
Application by Church of Scientology for a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on Saint Hill Road and West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead.
Thank you for meeting with Council officers on the 10th April 2025 to discuss the application by the Church of Scientology (the Church) for a PSPO on Saint Hill Road and West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead. I attach the notes taken of the meeting again for completeness.
As you know, Council staff have also met with representatives of the Church to discuss their application for a PSPO on Saint Hill Road and West Hoathly Road, East Grinstead.
The Council have considered responses from both the Church and Protesters and from Sussex Police, West Sussex Highways Authority and residents of East Grinstead. The Council have made early observations about what parties have said. It appears that a reasonable and proportionate approach in the first instance is to invite the Church and Protesters to mutually and voluntarily agree to comply with a list of obligations and behaviours surrounding Saint Hill Road and West Hoathly Road particularly in relation to the annual International Association of Scientology (IAS) event. We are describing this list as a “voluntary code of conduct” as it is intended to ensure that all stakeholders at the site act in a lawful and peaceful fashion, and in a manner which balances the competing interests of the Church, its members, local residents and protesters.
Read More:
Scientology trying to ban protests at UK headquarters: Alex needs your input!
Alex Barnes-Ross has another important update for us regarding the future of protests at Scientology’s UK headquarters…
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