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Anti-Nuke Protesters Occupy Trees at Proposed New Hinkley Site

South West Against Nuclear | 08.02.2012 10:55

Overnight on February 6th, anti nuclear activists occupied trees on EDF's proposed new nuclear site west of Hinkley Point in Somerset. Although EDF have subsequently said that the work being done was only the clearing of dead elms, this is undoubtedly the first stage in preparing for major clearance, since EDF have now been given the go-ahead to begin reducing this beautiful piece of Somerset coastline to a lunar landscape. ;A video camera would be extremely helpful, and maybe more phones, but RIGHT NOW THEY NEED A DELIVERY OF WARM SOCKS.
Overnight on February 6th, anti nuclear activists occupied trees on EDF's proposed new nuclear site west of Hinkley Point in Somerset.  This was in response to intial ground-clearance work being carried out by contractors the day before.

Although EDF have subsequently said that the work being done was only the clearing of dead elms, this is undoubtedly the first stage in preparing for major clearance, since EDF have now been given the go-ahead to begin reducing this beautiful piece of Somerset coastline to a lunar landscape.  They  are being permitted to do this even though it will be 12 months before they will know if they have planning permission for the 2 new nuclear reactors and a radioactive waste dump.  They obviously think this is a done deal!

In response to media interest today, including BBC TV Points West, Somerset Sound and Radio 4, and the Western Daily Press, EDF have also claimed that this stand of oak is not scheduled to be felled as part of the so-called “Preliminary Works”.  However, WSDC Planning Officer Andrew Goodchild has confirmed that this is untrue, and ALL vegetation within the site will have to be cleared in the next 4 to 6 weeks under the aptly named “Phase Zero”.   The nesting season won't be a big problem though, as they have a special license from “Natural England” to destroy the feathered songsters homes.  It seems they have a special license for just about anything!

Money talks, but actions talk louder.  The gallant folk who took command of the situation have acted pre-emptively and spontaneously and are currently few in number.  They are in a net off the ground and “just about” warm enough.  They need ground support – people to just visit them with treats, flasks, and warm words – which will also help defend them by keeping everything in the public eye.  A video camera would be extremely helpful, and maybe more phones.  RIGHT NOW THEY NEED A DELIVERY OF WARM SOCKS.

Image from earlier story. | Full story | Surround and Blockade of Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station 10-11 March | http://stopnewnuclear.org.uk/

South West Against Nuclear
- Original article on IMC Bristol: http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/707495