Camp Bling was instigated one year ago by local people and members of the Parklife resident’s campaign group, to stop the controversial widening of the A127/A1159 Priory Crescent , felling of 111 trees, concreting of 3000m2 of public open space, and destruction of the world famous East Saxon king’s burial discovered in 2003.
Since then the campaign has continued in earnest, with regular public meetings, lobbying, petitioning, direct action, and a number of well attended events at the ever growing site, which continues to thrive on a 200m strip of land situated between the existing road and Liverpool Street railway line, in the very heart of town.
The camp will be holding an open house on Saturday 23rd September from 2.00pm till late, to thank the public for their amazing support over the past 12 months.
A spokesperson said, ‘The plan is to keep the event low key, as our purpose is simply to stop the road and protect the land for the people of the town. To this end we welcome everyone to join us to celebrate what in effect has become a wonderful community project, and an opportunity for local people to stand up collectively for what they believe in.’
The latest estimated cost for construction is now £25m - not including site eviction or security - which the Department for Transport has yet to make an announcement on providing; to widen 870 metres of carriageway which it has been claimed could well become the most expensive stretch of road ever to be built. Costs have continued to spiral since an original figure of £3.5m was agreed with central Government in December 2000.
In an effort to thwart the project, it is rumoured that one of the deepest protest tunnel systems ever known has now been dug, to enable the site to be defended from any eviction, whether legal or illegal, by the local authority, should the road be approved.
To date it is estimated that over 25,000 signatures and letters have been collected in opposition. Just 16 (sixteen) local people were found in favour of the scheme during public consultation, and a recent newspaper poll shows the majority still against the road.
The campaign continues…