20.06.2009
In its first full day of resistance Mainshill Solidarity Camp, in the Douglas Valley in South Lanarkshire, has grown as the site is set up. Tree-houses and other structures in the woodland have been put in place to show Scottish Coal that they are serious about preventing the opencast site from going ahead. The site will be continuously occupied.
Scottish Coal have been given permission to mine 1.7 million tonnes of coal from Mainshill Wood in South Lanarkshire, a decision by South Lanarkshire Council that enraged local residents who have campaigned against this mine for many months. Ministers of the Scottish Government gave final approval to the site in April, deeming the proposed site at Mainshill in the Douglas Valley to be “environmentally acceptable.” This is despite the fact that there are 18 residential dwellings located within 500m of the proposed site boundary, contravening Scottish planning policy on open cast sites.
Local people have shown enthusiastic support from the start. Many culinary delights have already been donated and gratefully received.
People turned up throughout the day to show their support. One local resident exclaimed, “We’re so glad you’re here!”
There will be a Tea Party and open day on Sunday 28th June, from 3pm. Families and others from the surrounding areas will be invited to partake in fun and games whilst learning about how a protest site is run and about what can be done to protect the local environment and prevent runaway climate change.
Banners visible from the road have been erected at the site, highlighting the fundamentally anti-democratic way in which the planning process has ridden roughshod over the wishes of the local communities.
Activist Marcus Anderson comments, “Mainshill Solidarity Camp highlights how community resistance and direct action go hand in hand in securing a future for generations to come”.
The site will continue to grow as awareness increases of what is being done to the people and environment of Scotland, and what can be done by people themselves to stop catastrophic climate change.
coalactionedinburgh@riseup.net
http://coalactionedinburgh.noflag.org.uk