Activist Fights £100 Fine for Protest Table

0:00On this March 7th, in Lester, here's what is making headlines. A 73-year-old activist in Lester is still in limbo nine months after getting hit with a 100-pound fine for setting up a small, camping table in the city center. Heather Rowling, a member of the Socialist Party, put it out on Saturday, May 31st last year, while handing out leaflets and collecting. Signatures against public service cuts near the clock tower. The council issued the penalty under a public space's protection order aimed at stopping anti-social behavior and unauthorized structures on highways. Rowling insists the table wasn't blocking anyone, and that she's done this kind of campaigning for decades without issues. She refuses to pay on principle, saying she'd rather face court than back down, and believes the fine targets her political protest. The council has warned prosecution, could mean a criminal record, and up to a 1,000-pound penalty, but they've gone quiet since then. Meanwhile, groups like unions and political parties raised the alarms when the order

1:01started last year, worried it limits free speech by banning stalls. And banners. The city mayor has said campaigning is fine as long as it skips tables, gazebos, or loudspeakers. The council is now reviewing Rowling's case, and plans the contact are soon. They've handed out 14 similar fines for temporary structures since April, but none have led to court so far. We'd like to thank our sponsor for making this episode possible. Podcast hit different when the sound comes from your pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense. So L.I. SoleyPillow.com