Lancaster people occupy bailed out bank (RBS) and turn it into a public library!

Reposted report from 'Indymedia' of local action in Lancaster on Sat 26th Feb, 2011. This was part of a nationwide 'UKuncut'day of occupations. 

"A group of 20 - 30 activists and kids bailed in to the Lancaster branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and turned the bank into a libray for the morning. Entering the bank mid morning the space was quickly given a make over with books to browse, anti cuts leaflets to read, and a couple of large placards drawing attention to the fact that banking bosses at RBS got £950 million in bonuses despite the business operating at a loss of £1.1 billion in 2010. If the banking bail out means our libraries and services are to close, then the banks will be used to facilitate such services! The local Cops were caught completely off guard. They took almost an hour to respond to events. Then when they demanded to speak to whoever was in charge they were met with shrugs, blank looks, and "we're not protesting this is the library". With kids making good use of the available books and games, an adult reading revolutionary poetry, and a group of quiet readers the Cops seemed too embarrassed to attempt a forced eviction! They claimed taking pictures in the building was illegal but were then pointed towards the CCTV cameras on the walls! Eventually they just stood there helpless and the bank (or rather library) was put to good use until closing time".