PROTESTERS closed down an A-road in Sussex for a couple of hours this afternoon in a big protest against a threat to ancient woodland.
Hundreds of residents and supporters of Protect Our Woodland! defied warnings by police that their demonstration was not legal and took over Titnore Lane in Durrington, west of Worthing.
Despite rain and high winds they turned out to show their anger over a proposed housing development and road widening.
For POW! John Clark said: "Clearly residents are furious over this development scheme. The massive support the campaign received today has sent a message loud and clear to planners, developers and the
politicians. If you proceed with this scheme against residents' wishes expect bigger and bigger protests."
Mr Clark continued: "Despite residents' anger, the protest was good humoured with colourful banners and chants of "National Park Here", "Save Our Woods" "No More Traffic", etc.
"Perhaps the police were surprised by the number of residents who turned out. Mums, Dads and children were able to walk up and down Titnore Lane as their numbers closed the road. Remarked an elderly resident: "Because of speeding traffic it's the first time in 30 years I've been able to walk along here, I'm so happy".
As residents made their way home, police decided to remove a banner from the A259 roundabout, manhandling the protesters involved and subsequently one resident was set upon by several officers and thrown screaming into a police van.
Three people were arrested but all were released without charge.