Today, work was stopped for the third day, despite a concerted effort by contractors Fitzpatricks, Homegrown Timber Ltd and police to bring a digger and chainsaws on to the route by Valley Farm, to begin clearance work. This protest is an entirely locals run campaign, with a little support from Road Block, the new national alliance against road building.


Local residents stood in front of vehicles by standing and linking arms in a line in front of them. This stopped them for hours and they did not get arrested. This is a perfect example of how people can be effective without risking arrest. Police must give a warning before arresting, and at that point people may choose to leave if they wish, as they did today.


Victoria and Becca chose to chain themselves to the digger, were given 4 warnings, and chose to be arrested. They were taken to Aylesbury Police Station and were treated very well, with lots of cups of tea. They were charged with Aggravated Trespass (a minor offence). They were also bailed not to go near the Bypass route, and they have a court date on Friday 28th January.


Victoria and Becca want to make a big case in court about the legality of the scheme as it hasn't followed strict Government guidelines. At court they will simply be entering their plea of Not Guilty, and a future court date will be set. The actual hearing will not be for some months.


Press were present from the national and regional media. We seem to have touched a nerve with this protest, and have tapped into a national discontent with road building and the Government’s ‘Growth Areas’.


If people would like to support local residents take peaceful direct action, please contact Victoria on 01525 305097 and 07815 817108 and  vharvey@btopenworld.com. If you get there now you would make a huge difference.


A new website has been set up with daily updates:  http://www.linsladeprotest.oneuk.com/bypass/bypass.html


also check  http://www.roadalert.org.uk and www.roadblock.org.uk

PS: Can anyone get there with a camera or video please?