Bypass protesters face eviction day
ALAN RODEN
ENVIRONMENT REPORTER
SHERIFF officers were today preparing to move in to evict bypass protesters living in trees in Dalkeith Park.
The showdown comes after the group, fighting against the felling of trees to make way for a £30 million A68 bypass, refused to leave the treetops despite being served an eviction notice.
An eviction hearing was due to take place at Edinburgh Sheriff Court this morning, with the sheriff officers preparing to move in later in the day.
ALAN RODEN
ENVIRONMENT REPORTER
SHERIFF officers were today preparing to move in to evict bypass protesters living in trees in Dalkeith Park.
The showdown comes after the group, fighting against the felling of trees to make way for a £30 million A68 bypass, refused to leave the treetops despite being served an eviction notice.
An eviction hearing was due to take place at Edinburgh Sheriff Court this morning, with the sheriff officers preparing to move in later in the day.
But members of the eight-strong group today vowed to carry on their demonstration, and said they will not go without a fight.
One Australian eco-warrior said: "They will have to drag me out."
Another supporter said: "People are needed at the site to stop the eviction and to stop the destruction in the park."
The group is hoping to remain in the trees for several weeks and possibly months, with a right of appeal allowing them to delay any final verdict in the case. In an internet appeal, they have asked for supporters to bring them chocolate to give them extra strength.
The protesters also want more people to join them, bringing chains and locks - as well as tea and coffee, bin bags, newspapers, and mobile phones.
They are supported by the separate Save Dalkeith Park group, which yesterday staged a protest at the Scottish Parliament and handed in a petition signed by hundreds of residents.
Ministers have already invited tenders for a contract to build the bypass, which they view as a matter of urgency.
The proposed road was originally granted permission in 1993, but then delayed indefinitely in 1999 by the Scottish Executive. Campaigners are angry that there has not been an environmental impact assessment and claim the impact of major changes to the transport network - such as the A1 upgrade and the forthcoming Waverley rail line - have not been taken into account.
Green Lothians MSP Mark Ballard said: "Many people who use Dalkeith Park cannot see any need for this road, and it is disgraceful that the Transport Minister, Tavish Scott, has pressed ahead without full consultation.
"It is absurd that millions of pounds will be spent on a project that will damage the local environment and valued community green space when we have no clear idea whether or not it will deliver the benefits that are claimed. For a minister to give this the go-ahead over a decade after planning permission was originally granted is at best foolish, at worst reckless."
The trees currently occupied by protesters, on the north-west side of the 850-acre park, need to be cut down as part of the road's construction. However, they are home to a large numbers of bats in the spring and summer months.
Under environmental laws, developers have to fell the trees before the bats return from their winter habitat in March.
The campaigners are believed to be from the same group who set up camp in 2002 in protest at a road planned to go through Bilston Wood, near Penicuik.
http://www.save-dalkeith-park.org.uk/
One Australian eco-warrior said: "They will have to drag me out."
Another supporter said: "People are needed at the site to stop the eviction and to stop the destruction in the park."
The group is hoping to remain in the trees for several weeks and possibly months, with a right of appeal allowing them to delay any final verdict in the case. In an internet appeal, they have asked for supporters to bring them chocolate to give them extra strength.
The protesters also want more people to join them, bringing chains and locks - as well as tea and coffee, bin bags, newspapers, and mobile phones.
They are supported by the separate Save Dalkeith Park group, which yesterday staged a protest at the Scottish Parliament and handed in a petition signed by hundreds of residents.
Ministers have already invited tenders for a contract to build the bypass, which they view as a matter of urgency.
The proposed road was originally granted permission in 1993, but then delayed indefinitely in 1999 by the Scottish Executive. Campaigners are angry that there has not been an environmental impact assessment and claim the impact of major changes to the transport network - such as the A1 upgrade and the forthcoming Waverley rail line - have not been taken into account.
Green Lothians MSP Mark Ballard said: "Many people who use Dalkeith Park cannot see any need for this road, and it is disgraceful that the Transport Minister, Tavish Scott, has pressed ahead without full consultation.
"It is absurd that millions of pounds will be spent on a project that will damage the local environment and valued community green space when we have no clear idea whether or not it will deliver the benefits that are claimed. For a minister to give this the go-ahead over a decade after planning permission was originally granted is at best foolish, at worst reckless."
The trees currently occupied by protesters, on the north-west side of the 850-acre park, need to be cut down as part of the road's construction. However, they are home to a large numbers of bats in the spring and summer months.
Under environmental laws, developers have to fell the trees before the bats return from their winter habitat in March.
The campaigners are believed to be from the same group who set up camp in 2002 in protest at a road planned to go through Bilston Wood, near Penicuik.
http://www.save-dalkeith-park.org.uk/ 
