Press

31st August 10

See page 13 of the Southend Echo today. Not in Our Town are interviewed regarding our petition to the owner of the land in Rochford. 200 signatures were gathered in 90mins in Southend High St!

Martin Lacey (Great British Circus) is also interviewed, and puts across some misleading arguments. In response to our comments on animal welfare, he implies that Rochford Council carry out inspections and are happy with their standards. The only thing Rochford council inspect for is health and safety - nothing to do with animal welfare. The council DO NOT approve of this activity but can do nothing as it is on private land. Please see their own website for further information: http://www.rochford.gov.uk/hot_topics/Statement_On_Circuses.aspx

11th August 10
The first Not in Our Town / Southend Animal Aid demonstration at the circus is covered on Page 9 of todays Southend Echo.

10th August 10
See page 13 of the Southend Echo today for a picture of our busking in Southend High Street Saturday!

6th July 10
The following was taken from the Southend Echo 6th July 10:

Circus return sparks new controversy
 
By EMMA THOMAS
emma.thomasifnqe.com

A CONTROVERSIAL circus will return to south Essex next month.

Last year the Great British Circus was embroiled in controversy after a video, made by Animal Defenders International, emerged showing their elephants being mistreated.

The circus dismissed the employee mistreating the animals and held an investigation into the incident in Leicestershire.

Circus bosses have confirmed the show will return to Southend Road, Rochford, on Tuesday, August 10, for an expected two weeks.

Spokesman, Chris Barltrop, said there was a "huge following" for the circus in Rochford. He said: "People are keen to see it. The controversy is artificially created. There are going to be far more people watching it than demonstrating against it.

"The circus is subject to strict inspection. Since it was in Rochford last year it has been rigorously inspected."
 
Steven Butler started the Not In Our Town campaign in response to last year's video footage.
The group arranges gigs and events to raise money and awareness for animal rights organisations.

He said: "We have been running our campaign since May 2, and we held an all day gig with 13 bands playing. That was packed with support and we raised £700 for animal rights charities.

"Myself and my friends decided to do something. We love animals and we don't like to see that sort of mistreatment.
"I am disappointed the circus is going to have animals again.
"We are going to work with Southend Animal Aid to put together some demonstrations and raise awareness.
"Our goal is to let people know what's going on."