Who are 'Save Our Barbican' (SoB)?

Barbican pool closure protesters make a splashIt is easier to explain what we are not! SoB is not a political or affiliated group. It is not an organised or well-resourced group. It is most certainly not a group of people with a grudge against the the City of York Council, as the barrister acting for the Developers in the High Court disgracefully described us.

Furthermore, we are not, as we are told the chief developer refers to us, "Sons Of Bitches". We have also seen a copy of a document, sent to the Leader of the City of York Council by this developer, referring to us as ********! We believe this speaks volumes about this developer's attitude to free speech and the citizen's democratic right to protest in York.

SoB is simply a coming together of concerned citizens who are appalled at the destruction of our community facilities and, in the case of the residents who live only 25 feet from what is planned, frightened by what is certainly a gross over-development on the site, together with the intention to licence the biggest buildings on the site for the sale of alcohol until 2am and later. All this in a residential area and all adjudicated upon by the City of York Council which stands to gain financially from the sale of the land.

Help us with the campaign

Here's how you can help join the campaign against the shortsighted waste strategy.

Please get in touch with us. We'd be delighted to have your help to save the sports facilities in the centre of York, the largest concert hall in York, and the views of the ancient York City Walls..

Write to your Councillor to ask them to oppose plans destroy York Barbican. York residents can find their Councillor on this page on the Council website.

All York Councillors can be reached at:
  The Guildhall
  York
  YO1 9QN