Following a meeting with Islington Council we have received an informal letter dated Friday 4 November.

The letter says that the Council recognises the right to protest, but that we are considered to be trespassing. It continues to say that the camp is “affecting the normal operation of local businesses and residents” though it accepts that we are working to minimise any negative impact in this regard.

We are glad that the Council are not undertaking legal proceedings against the camp as we agree that the money required for such action would be better used “to provide essential services to [Islington's] most vulnerable residents”.

We recognise that Islington is one of the most deprived boroughs in Britain and, along with Councils across the country, faces huge cuts in government funding. We believe the activities of the richest 1% during such a time of heavily imposed government austerity are an afront and an insult to social and economic justice.

We see part of our activity here in Islington as enriching the community we have now joined and consider the occupation of Finsbury Square as a positive contribution towards public education; providing an open platform for debate and a forum for the people of Islington and the general public to discuss the issues that concern them. We have had overwhelming support from those that have engaged us in discussion and look forward to extending and improving this conversation.

The letter makes several recommendations regarding health, safety and fire risks onsite. All the recommendations been taken on board and the majority will be dealt with within the next two to three days, if they are not in place already. We are also in contact with Environmental and Health Officers (EHO) in regards to these issues.

We are pleased that there is an ongoing constructive dialogue between us and the Council and look forward to our next meeting with them this coming Friday.