The eviction of the Shipley Bodge anti-open cast mine squat in Derbyshire cost the local police force £58,000. UK Coal, the legal owners of the land, will be billed for some of the expenses. The full cost of the eviction to UK Coal, who hired bailiffs and equipment, is expected to have been much higher.
Protesters associated with the Leave it in the Ground campaign squatted the site in June because it was due to be turned into an open cast coal mine. Coal is considered to be one of the dirtiest fuels and its burning has been a large contributor to atmospheric CO2 levels. The squatters were served an eviction notice in July and were finally evicted in mid-August. Several protesters managed to hold out against the eviction for a week in tunnels underground in what was a massive and costly operation for UK Coal.
20 officers from Derbyshire police took part in the eviction and the force's helicopter was also used. UK Coal said that they had contributed a substantial amount towards the costs but declined to give an exact figure.
A spokesperson for Leave it in the Ground said "UK Coal is going to cost the people of Derbyshire even more money when mining does start, as the value of housing will reduce as a result of what is taking place."
20 officers from Derbyshire police took part in the eviction and the force's helicopter was also used. UK Coal said that they had contributed a substantial amount towards the costs but declined to give an exact figure.
A spokesperson for Leave it in the Ground said "UK Coal is going to cost the people of Derbyshire even more money when mining does start, as the value of housing will reduce as a result of what is taking place."