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a muddy day in St David's wood

indymedia boris | 16.03.2004 00:27 | Ecology

Report of a very mixed day in the struggle to stop the Blackwood Bypass.

Today, protesters were outnumbered by bailiffs (5) and police (about 7). In the morning there were some attempts to obstruct work, including a few attempted lock-ons, but with little success.

There were no chainsaws around, but other work was going on between Kerry and Jordan camps - clearing felled trees, shredding them etc.

Then, in the afternoon, somebody managed to D-lock themselves to a large vehicle (bulldozer or suchlike) and held things up for about an hour. After the police promised not to arrest him if he released himself, he unlocked - and was promptly arrested!

Another activist was also arrested for breach of the peace (generically used for people interfering with work). They were both held for a few hours and then released without charge. (I spoke to one who said he hadn't been charged - I assume the other hasn't been either, but don't know for sure).

People are now being given formal warnings on camera, and some people have been threatened with arrest if they continue to 'interfere'. Bailiffs have been pretty rough at times (especially when away from the cops) getting progressively more pissed off at persistent individuals. We managed to get some of this on camera... including a driver who fancies himself as a bailiff and seems to like the chance to indulge in a bit of random thuggery.

Conditions are cold, wet and muddy. Not much fun. For the moment we're having to concentrate on minding the camps and staying dry.

WE CAN BARELY COVER ALL 3 CAMPS - PEOPLE ARE URGENTLY NEEDED.

If you feel you can, please please come :)

indymedia boris

Comments

Display the following 2 comments

  1. get involved — SL
  2. You're doing a briliant job! — mizz piggy