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Poor Doors campaigners burn Boris
London mayor effigy up in flames as activists highlight segregated housing disgrace

CAMPAIGNERS burnt an effigy of the London Mayor for Bonfire Night in protest against social segregation in the capital.

The torching of Boris Johnson was part of the Poor Doors campaign, which has been targeting a newly built housing complex in east london.

The skyscraper has caused controversy because its “affordable” flats are only accessible through a door at the rear of the building.

“But the rich have a smart entrance with a reception, concierge and vase of flowers,” said anti-cuts campaigner Romayne Phoenix.

She believes the segregation between rich and poor neighbours is unacceptable. “It seems that the design of these flats suddenly exposes the fact there’s always been a class divide,” she said.

The night of protest was always going to be different, given the date, which Ms Phoenix argued gave the event a “special party atmosphere.”

Protest was indeed lively, with people dancing around the bonfire, drumming and chanting.

But police on the scene were not pleased with the commotion caused by the growing numbers of people protesting, the burning effigy and the smoke flares.

An elderly woman who had help organise the event was arrested with no explanation given, which caused a scuffle to erupt between protesters and the police.

A man was subsequently arrested as well.

According to onlookers, the fire brigades chose the side of the protesters, refusing to put out the fire until coaxed by the Met.

Also at the protest, activist David Peel said: “I come every Wednesday because I am sick of the rich moving into our areas and kicking us out. “

“We have to stop it now or it will be your street next.”

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