BRIAN FERGUSON
CITY COUNCIL REPORTER

ANTI-G8 protesters have turned down the chance to camp at Meadowbank Stadium this summer - after discovering they would have to share it with police.

Their decision has raised fears of "tented cities" springing up across the city in beauty spots such as Princes Street Gardens and the Meadows. Activists had asked to use Meadowbank as a makeshift campsite over several days while major demonstrations take place in the city.

But Lothian and Borders Police have beaten them to it and arranged to use the complex as an operational base in the run-up to the Gleneagles summit. Officers from across the UK are being drafted in to cope with the demands of policing the planned mass demonstrations.

The police said they were happy to share some of the space with the protesters, an idea backed by city council leader Donald Anderson.

But that prospect has been dismissed as "laughable" by the protesters, who have warned of "tented cities" springing up across the Capital unless suitable temporary campsites are agreed.

The Jack Kane Centre, in Craigmillar, is now being suggested by council officials as a possible alternative to Meadowbank, with the authority struggling to find alternatives in the city centre.

But protesters say sites are needed closer to the city centre.

They want council permission to use the former Lothian Regional Council offices on George IV Bridge, which were most recently used by MSPs as Scottish Parliament offices, and Leith Links. G8 Alternatives, one of the main groups organising G8 resistance in Edinburgh and Gleneagles, has warned the city council that it must provide "alternatives" to people who choose not to stay in hostels, hotels or guesthouses.

One activist said "every green space in the city centre" would be targeted by campers unless proper accommodation is lined up in the heart of the Capital.

It is estimated that up to 10,000 people will be seeking camping accommodation in the Capital for several days around a massive anti-poverty parade on July 2.

Willie Black, spokesman for G8 Alternatives, said: "This needs to be sorted out by the council and the police.

If they are serious about avoiding having people camping around the city then they need to come up with a sensible plan. The idea that we should share Meadowbank with the police is ridiculous. Can you imagine what would happen if things spark off?"

One protester, who asked not to be named, said: "We've been asking about Meadowbank for ages and it appears that the police have sneaked in and booked it up. We were in discussions with the council about using it when we suddenly heard it was unavailable."

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "Meadowbank Stadium is one of several sites we need to accommodate police officers who will be on duty. We are not using all the space and Mr Black could seek to reserve what remains if he wishes.

"Although it is not our responsibility, along with the council we have had meetings with him and have suggested other places he may also wish to consider."

A police source added: "The simple fact of the matter is that we were far better organised than the protesters."

City council leader Donald Anderson said: "I don't really see a problem with the police and the protesters sharing Meadowbank. It seems like a reasonable compromise."

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