We're echoing a call for help at the site of the planned Weymouth Relief Road.
The Government approved this scheme in October, despite the fact it will cut through an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and an ancient woodland (Two Mile Coppice).
After Dorset County Council begun moves to start work, last Friday 3 protesters scaled trees at Two Mile Coppice, a 400 year old woodland threatened by the site. One lone protester is holding out at the moment, and we'd urge everyone who can lend any kind of support to get down there.
More information about the local anti bypass campaign can be found on their website, their news page being here.
It seems that Direct Action is making a return in the fight against road schemes, and it's not before time. The Youtube videos we have posted above and below the text show a local BBC news report about the protests, and a chilling virtual reality flythrough of the planned bypass.
In Longdendale, all we have so far is a VR version of the bypass. You can rest assured, we will have Direct Action as and when it is necessary.
1 comment:
As of the 19th December 2008 the Woodland Trust still own the land that the road is being built on, but have waived their 14 days notice period and told Dorset County Council that
it is ok to get on with cutting down the Ancient woodland - basically they
have thrown in the towel without even standing up to argue or delay the
destruction on their land. The fact that the Woodland Trust still own the land
was recordered in the Court case of the 18th december 2008 of Dorset
County Council ' v ' Persons Unknown in Weymouth County Court. Her
Majesty's Land Registry in Plymouth also confirmed it.
The people of Weymouth brought Two Mile Copse through public
subscription. Local people dug deeply into their pockets and put their money
into conserving the land for perpeturity, for us and all future generations.
Dorset County Council have so far not given one penny in compensation,
either to the Woodland Trust, nor local people who raised the public money
to preserve the wood in the first place.
Shame on the Woodland Trust for chickening out of flighting all the way to save the woods and letting the County Council issue eviction proceedings against the protestors.
The woodland trust STILL OWN THE WOODS - you can legally stop this destruction on your land at any time, up until when the Compensation money is paid and the deeds are registered at the Land Registry.
Friends are already writing in to the Woodland Trust to resign and I recommend that more do likewise.
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