POLICE appear to have backtracked on their claim that the Titnore tree protesters were acting illegally and would be evicted without civil court proceedings.
The eco-activists occupied the woods on Sunday morning to try and halt the destructive West Durrington development, including a 875-home estate, new Tesco superstore and road widening.
On Sunday evening police delivered written warnings saying they would be evicted under legislation normally used against travellers.
But a report in The Argus today (Tuesday May 30), quoting the local police chief, states: "Worthing District Commander Jason Taylor said officers served notice for their removal on Sunday evening as a precautionary measure. He said there were no plans to remove the protesters unless any offences were committed. He said: "As far as the police are concerned we have a situation which is, at the moment, legitimate. People are protesting lawfully and are not causing particular problems. They're causing problems for the landowner and he can go to court - but at this stage I'm not going to endanger the protesters or people in the area by enforcing the removal of people"."
The camp has already attracted widespread media interest, including two articles in The Argus, the lead slot on Monday night's BBC South Today TV news, items on Southern FM and BBC Southern Counties radio, a piece on The Sun's website and even an article on the website of the Orlando Sentinel in Florida.
Reaction from the media, as from the Worthing public, has been positive. The same issue of The Argus declarede in an editorial comment that it was "refreshing" to see "Titnore Wood dissenters standing up to the Establishment". It added: "It appeaers this treetop demonstration is being connducted lawfully and this can only be a good thing for democracy."
Tonight the protesters were appealing for "loads and loads" more 10-12mm polypropylene rope, urgent financial donations and supplies of vegan food.
On Sunday evening police delivered written warnings saying they would be evicted under legislation normally used against travellers.
But a report in The Argus today (Tuesday May 30), quoting the local police chief, states: "Worthing District Commander Jason Taylor said officers served notice for their removal on Sunday evening as a precautionary measure. He said there were no plans to remove the protesters unless any offences were committed. He said: "As far as the police are concerned we have a situation which is, at the moment, legitimate. People are protesting lawfully and are not causing particular problems. They're causing problems for the landowner and he can go to court - but at this stage I'm not going to endanger the protesters or people in the area by enforcing the removal of people"."
The camp has already attracted widespread media interest, including two articles in The Argus, the lead slot on Monday night's BBC South Today TV news, items on Southern FM and BBC Southern Counties radio, a piece on The Sun's website and even an article on the website of the Orlando Sentinel in Florida.
Reaction from the media, as from the Worthing public, has been positive. The same issue of The Argus declarede in an editorial comment that it was "refreshing" to see "Titnore Wood dissenters standing up to the Establishment". It added: "It appeaers this treetop demonstration is being connducted lawfully and this can only be a good thing for democracy."
Tonight the protesters were appealing for "loads and loads" more 10-12mm polypropylene rope, urgent financial donations and supplies of vegan food.
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