Category: South East England

South East England

Thrupp Lake (Radley Oxfordshire) update

There were once nine lakes…

Local people have joined forces with ecologists and environmental activists in a pledge to save Thrupp Lake (at Radley, near Oxford), following a decision by Npower bosses to dump 500,000 tonnes of fly-ash on to the site.

There were once nine lakes…

Local people have joined forces with ecologists and environmental activists in a pledge to save Thrupp Lake (at Radley, near Oxford), following a decision by Npower bosses to dump 500,000 tonnes of fly-ash on to the site.

Thrupp lake is a nature reserve as designated by Oxfordshire County Council, with many rare plants, insects and animals including water voles and otters.

The plan is to cut down over 1,000 trees so that Npower can drain then fill the lake with 500,000 tonnes of toxic waste ash from the nearby Didcot Power Station. The waste ash is pulverised fly-ash which can be recycled and used in various building products such as cement and breeze blocks. Past study found traces of many nasties including Polonium 210!

Npower have already destroyed seven other lakes in the immediate area. The locals have been trying to save the lakes for many years using all legal means and have failed. Their latest challenge is to get the lake designated to village green status, which would save the lake. However, Npower have said they will begin work BEFORE this application will even be heard in court! The locals have welcomed us with open arms to fight this alongside them.

As part of this, our group occupied an empty property on the shore of the lake on December 28th with a view to protect the lake and using all non-violent means to resist eviction (Lock-on’s and barricades etc), whilst also opening the building up (compulsary purchased by Npower) as a field center for the study of the local ecology.

Recent News: Npower took us to County Court on 10th January to gain a repossession order to evict us, however, they did not expect us to have such a great legal team behind us. The order for repossession was thrown out as the papers were illegally served to us by Npower! Local press
headline was “Squatters win first round�. We are in court again Weds. 24th Jan. at the County Court in Oxford. We have a barrister working on the case and are putting up a stiff legal defense.

At present: We are working on defending the building and recording and photographing the local ecology (we need proof that certain species inhabit the area as part of the defense). We are still in LEGAL possession of the building and we have massive local support. The house is massive and the lake is absolutely beautiful.

HOW YOU CAN HELP : Visit us! Remember we are in legal possession and you are allowed to stay. Stay with us to defend the building if we get evicted, or come to do some ecology work. Bring your friends! (You may even see the Radley Lake Penguin!). Bring us things we need off our ‘Wish
List’. Come and support us in court on the 24th – bring banners etc.

Catch the train to Radley station (one stop from Oxford), and it is about a fifteen minute walk to the site. For directions ring the site mobile.
SITE MOBILE NUMBER IS: 07772 0553 384

For more information see www.saveradleylakes.org.uk or check out our progress on UK Indymedia or Indymedia Oxford.

Watch the video (video/x-msvideo 34MB)

WISH LIST
Food, Furniture, Blankets, Duvets, Sleeping Bags, Waterproofs, Ladders,
Buckets, Kitchen knives and cutlery, plates etc., Rope and Polyprop, Nuts,
bolts, Nails, Screws, Wire mesh, Tools, Spanners, wrenches, Socket sets,
Bottled Water (1 ltr), Banners, Paint, Shovel, Timber for building, Cable
ties, Climbing Caribineers for lock-on’s, Chains, 45 gallon oil drums,
Fake animal Fur (Yes thats right),Cash, YOU!

LATE NIGHT VISITS FOR NOVARTIS, ASTELLAS EMPLOYEES

received anonymously:

“Saturday the 13th January was unlucky for some. The ALF were out in the dead of night visiting the homes of those who profit from animal abuse at HLS.

Astellas PA Margaret McQuillan, 22 Triggs Close, Woking, Surrey GU22

received anonymously:

“Saturday the 13th January was unlucky for some. The ALF were out in the dead of night visiting the homes of those who profit from animal abuse at HLS.

Astellas PA Margaret McQuillan, 22 Triggs Close, Woking, Surrey GU22
0EJ Tel: 01483 760 058
had all the garages near her spray painted with “number 22 is animal killer”, alf slogans and her front door had a pot of red paint thrown all over it.

Novartis director Kevin White, 3 Pipson Close, Yateley, Hants GU46 6JL
had 2 big brick walls sprayed with “number 3 is animal killer” and an alf slogan.

Novartis employee Christopher Golunski, Carthena Drive, Fleet, Hants GU52 7SF Tel: 01252 624 601
had the tyres of the 2 cars on his drive slashed and paint stripper poured all over them.

Secretary of Novartis UK Pension Trustees Ltd Richard Farrar of 23 The Brambles, Crowthorne, Berks RG45 6EF
had all the tyres of his people carrier slashed and the vehicle covered with paint stripper.

Novartis you are a priority target for the Animal Liberation Front worldwide. Stop dealing with HLS or we will force you to stop by any and all means necessary. Get ready. The ALF is coming after you.

ALF”

Activist Mediation Network Launched!!!!!

Want to learn mediation skills?
Interested in helping support activist groups engage with internal disagreements and conflict, to make them more effective?
Want to tackle conflicts in your personal life that interfere with your activism?

Want to learn mediation skills?
Interested in helping support activist groups engage with internal disagreements and conflict, to make them more effective?
Want to tackle conflicts in your personal life that interfere with your activism?

Our launch events will be training days:

Northern Launch –
Leeds on 10th March 2007, from 11am – 5pm

Southern Launch
– London on 17 March 2007, from 11am – 5pm.

The aims of these days are:

To train people in conflict resolution skills that they can use in their own lives and activist work
For people interested in volunteering with us to receive training and to meet with us to discuss taking it further.

If you have a specific conflict or situation that you would like to discuss with us, then please get in contact and we’ll see if we can help.

Activist Mediation to the rescue! (not really!)

Details of the training days:

Booking essential: Please email activistmediation [at] aktivix [dot] org
Cost: We are asking for a £10 donation to fund expenses and help set up a travel fund to help with our mediation work. If money would prevent you from attending, then get in touch.
Creche: We are not providing creche facilities, but if childcare issues are preventing you attending, please get in touch and we’ll try and sort something out.
Access: Both venues are wheelchair accessible, and have accessible toilets. For other access needs, please contact us.
Lunch: Not provided. Please bring your own.
Transport and Accommodation: Get in touch if you have any issues or can offer a lift.

For further information have a look at our website www.activistmediation.org.uk
or telephone us on 0845 223 5254, and get in touch.

Background

For the last few years we have both been involved in mainstream mediation, and using these skills at various activist camps and situations (Climate Camp, Earth First!, Radical Routes, Trident Ploughshares). We have also been asked to work with other activist groups to help them resolve internal conflicts. There is obviously a need for this work to be done on an ongoing basis, and so we have decided to set up an activist mediation network. The aim is not for us to solve conflicts, but to skill share and offer impartial mediators in order to help groups and individuals resolve their own conflicts.

Save Radley Lakes Occupation update

12.01.2007

Activists are occupying and intend to defend a squatted lakeside property in order to prevent the infilling of Radley Lakes with toxic ash from the burning of coal at the nearby npower owned Didcot power station.

Radley Lakes - toxic ash infill12.01.2007

Activists are occupying and intend to defend a squatted lakeside property in order to prevent the infilling of Radley Lakes with toxic ash from the burning of coal at the nearby npower owned Didcot power station.

The occupants intended to use the property as environmental field centre with the support of the local community, where there is massive local opposition to the destruction of the last two remaining lakes at Radley.

The lakes are unusual in their clarity and the area contains local and national rare and threatened species, with 115 species of birds recorded and over1000 trees surrounding the lake which will be felled. However this has been ignored by power company RWE npower, and has been rail-roaded through by Oxfordshire County Council.

Npower took the group to court last Wednesday but failed to get them evicted, but will they try again this Wednesday 17th and are likely to be successful.

But undeterred the group are locking on and digging in preparation to defend the field centre and prevent the destruction of the lakes.

However they are badly in need of people and equipment to help with the defence. If you can support the group or donate equipment such as wood, ply board, plastic sheeting, electrical tools, building sand, ballast, shovels, spades, chain, locks carbines, poly-prop rope, cable ties, nuts, bolts screws, nails, contact adhesive, fake fur? and oh yea food contact the site on 07772055384, location OX14 3NG, a 15 minute walk from Radley Station.
 http://www.saveradleylakes.org.uk/index.htm

Next Aldermaston Blockade Monday 15th January

**Block the Builders return to Britain’s nuclear bomb factory as Trident
>> debate heats up**
>
> NEXT BLOCKADE MONDAY 15TH JANUARY. FOR DETAILS OF BLOCKADE AND ARRANGEMENTS
> PLEASE VISIT http://www.blockthebuilders.org.uk/Blockades.php

**Block the Builders return to Britain’s nuclear bomb factory as Trident
>> debate heats up**
>
> NEXT BLOCKADE MONDAY 15TH JANUARY. FOR DETAILS OF BLOCKADE AND ARRANGEMENTS
> PLEASE VISIT http://www.blockthebuilders.org.uk/Blockades.php
>
>> ———————-
>>
>> In December 2006 the government published a White Paper in which it
>> confirmed its intention to replace the Trident submarine fleet and
>> outlined proposals for replacing the current Trident D5 missiles. The
>> parliamentary debate on these aspects of Trident replacement is expected
>> to take place in March.
>>
>> However, the White Paper deferred the issue of what nuclear warhead the
>> missiles would carry. Tony Blair’s introductory text stated that a
>> decision on warhead replacement could be taken in the next parliament.
>>
>> ———————-
>> BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE BOMB
>> ———————-
>>
>> Meanwhile, massive work to upgrade AWE Aldermaston continues without
>> pause. A recent industry report suggested that construction firms are
>> expecting £12bn to be spent on the nuclear warhead factory over the next
>> 12 years [2]. A curious situation if no decision has been made on a future
>> warhead.
>>
>> Block the Builders will continue their regular monthly obstruction of
>> construction traffic entering the base. A spokesperson said “We continue
>> to call for a halt to building work at AWE. This massive development
>> project completely undermines any faith in the so-called ‘debate’.”
>>
>> ———————-
>> WIDESPREAD CONDEMNATION
>> ———————-
>> Since the publication of the government’s White Paper there has been
>> widespread opposition, to both the replacement proposals and the process
>> of decision-making. Concerns have been expressed by a very broad range of
>> individuals and organisations; parliamentarians from all sides of the
>> House have questioned the government, and faith leaders, trade unionists
>> and the anti-nuclear movement have condemned both the policy implications
>> and the financial cost.
>>
>> ———————-
>> LOCAL NEWS
>> ———————-
>> Local media may be interested to note that, despite previously being
>> gifted money by AWE just days before a 2005 planning meeting [3], the
>> local parish council is objecting to one of the base’s current planning
>> applications and a special planning meeting will be held on 22 January in
>> Newbury [4]
>>
>> ———————-
>> ABOUT BLOCK THE BUILDERS
>> ———————-
>> Formed in 2004, Block the Builders is a nonviolent direct action group
>> which has
>> been taking practical action to slow construction work AWE Aldermaston and
>> at
>> the sites of companies with construction contracts with AWE.
>> This has taken the form of a monthly, publicly-announced blockade of AWE
>> Aldermaston, combined with unannounced actions at AWE and contractor
>> sites, and
>> events in conjunction with other groups such as the recent Greenpeace/BtB
>> mass
>> weapons inspection (27/11/06). The December 2006 blockade saw roads around
>> the site closed for two hours and seven people arrested.
>>
>> For reports of previous blockades, see http://www.aldermaston.net/news
>>
>> ———————-
>> NOTES
>> ———————-
>> [1] White Paper: http://tinyurl.com/ye878z
>> [2] Industry report:
>> http://www.costain.com/externaldocs/finance/Nuclear.pdf
>> page 17 (previous pages are very good for explaining the general nuclear
>> sector contracts, whose bidding etc) but page 17 says “AWE Framework
>> agreement £4m in 2006. Forecast £8m in 2007. Positioned for contracting on
>> AWE’s investment programme £12bn over next 12 years”
>> [3] Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 8th November 2005
>> No members of the public were present.
>> 94 Parish Plan progress report · The Parish Plan was tabled. It was agreed
>> that
>> Clerk will write to Ken Ray congratulating him and the steering group on
>> the
>> excellent work they have carried out. A donation of £1500 had been
>> received
>> from AWE and it was agreed that the Clerk would write expressing the
>> thanks of
>> the Parish Council. [original at:
>> http://www.aldermaston.co.uk/2005/dec05/pc_minutes11.05.doc]
>> [4] Special meeting of the Eastern Area Planning Committee. The only item
>> for determination will be 06/2326/comind (AWE office accommodation
>> application).
>> This will start at 6.30pm and be held in the Council Chamber, Market
>> Street, Newbury.
>>
>> Block the Builders: http://www.blockthebuilders.org.uk
>>

CHICKEN FARM RAIDED, 22 CHICKS FREED

Click here for pictures from the rescue.
View video here: http://www.sarconline.co.uk/tv

anonymous communique:

“0100hrs, 03/11/2006, Fovant Down, Wiltshire.

Click here for pictures from the rescue.
View video here: http://www.sarconline.co.uk/tv

anonymous communique:

“0100hrs, 03/11/2006, Fovant Down, Wiltshire.
Target: Lloyd’s Animal Feeds Ltd – Livestock Division.

Lookout in place, tools at the ready, we began. Large bolt-cutters were used to chop through the tight security: one small padlock holding the door closed.

We shone our torches into the darkness and couldnt believe our eyes. Rows upon rows of battery cages, crammed full with thousands of Broiler chicks. They were being kept illegally in the tiny cages and grown to become “food” for the gluttonous, blood-thirsty meat industry.

Within minutes we were done. We left hundreds of thousands of innocent lives behind that night, designating them to a life of hell and a death that is beyond words. But with us we took 22 friends who are now living the life they were meant to live: free from exploitation and suffering in a system equated to concentration camps.

For all those left behind, we urge you to act. Animals need YOU, and they need you NOW. They wait inside locked buildings across the world.. it is up to YOU whether you reach for your bolt-cutters and break them out. Nothing stands in your way, except yourself.

Dedicated to current prisoners Don Curray and Joseph Harris, and deceased animal liberationist Barry Horne, who passed away five years ago on November 5th. The fight goes on in your spirit.

Until the last factory farm is brought to the ground, until the final slaughterhouse is made illegal, until every lab shuts its doors, until all animals are free from the shackles selfish bastards place upon them… A.L.F.”

Didcot power station trashing lakes – house squatted

Hi all a group of us opposed to the destruction of Radley Lakes by infilling them with pulverised fly ash (PFA) from N powers coal burning Didcot power station, have squatted a large house on the edge of Thrupp Lake and are now in legal possession. Our intention was to use the house and its ground as a field center for locals and visitors, however N powers lawyers have been busy and they are in court on wed 10th of Jan to get this overturned and us evicted. We intend to resist this and need people to turn up who are prepared to help defend our stake in the lakes future, so if you get down there for the 10th or shortly after please do so, for updates call me on 07762733332.

Radley LakesHi all a group of us opposed to the destruction of Radley Lakes by infilling them with pulverised fly ash (PFA) from N powers coal burning Didcot power station, have squatted a large house on the edge of Thrupp Lake and are now in legal possession. Our intention was to use the house and its ground as a field center for locals and visitors, however N powers lawyers have been busy and they are in court on wed 10th of Jan to get this overturned and us evicted. We intend to resist this and need people to turn up who are prepared to help defend our stake in the lakes future, so if you get down there for the 10th or shortly after please do so, for updates call me on 07762733332.

We also need the following:
Ladders/steps
gas heaters,
blankets, duvets, sleeping bags,
furniture,
fluro jackets, cooking and eating utensils,
Netting (army/climbing type),
lock on equipment,
welding equipment,
tarps,
food and general stuff.

Failing this sign petition at
http://www.saveradleylakes.org.uk/documents/SaveRadleyLakesPetition.htm or
visit the website at
http://www.saveradleylakes.org.uk/

or send us a letter or donation to

RLLF,
Sandles,
Thrupp Lane,
Radley (Lower),
Oxfordshire,
OX14 3NG.

CHICKEN FARM CLOSED BY ALF

reported by activists in the UK:

“John Parkers Poultry in Hampshire has finally closed after a sustained campaign of direct action. The actions taken included:

08/03/06 – 50 hens liberated
04/10/03 – 1024 hens liberated.

reported by activists in the UK:

“John Parkers Poultry in Hampshire has finally closed after a sustained campaign of direct action. The actions taken included:

08/03/06 – 50 hens liberated
04/10/03 – 1024 hens liberated.
19/06/03 – Chicken units sabotaged, conveyor belts, cages, lights,
feeding apparatus etc… also 100 hens liberated.

These are just the reported actions, rumor has it there were several
more…”

PLANE STUPID Newsletter #6

PLANE STUPID Newsletter #6

“This is a deeply traumatized community which has been lied to for years and years

Plane Stupid logo 2PLANE STUPID Newsletter #6

“This is a deeply traumatized community which has been lied to for years and years
by the aviation industry and one political party after another. There is a litany of
broken promises. I wonder just how you might feel if you had endured all this for
years! I am so angry I am almost incandescent with rage at the immorality of it
all.” – A resident of Harmondsworth, near Heathrow

~ VICTORY FOR STOP STANSTED CAMPAIGN! ~

After a sustained and long running campaign by the community near Stansted, the
Uttlesford District Council have blocked the proposed plans for expansion of the
existing runway. BAA however is refusing to accept the democratic ruling and is
taking it to a public enquiry. A campaign fund has been launched to fight the
enquiry. www.stopstanstedexpansion.com

~ OCCUPATION AGAINST BRISTOL EXPANSION ~

On the 4th December, activists from South West Climate Action occupied North
Somerset Environment and Planning Offices to protest against plans for expansion of
Bristol airport. Photos and report at www.indymedia.org.uk

~EASYJET SHUT IN DAY OF ACTION AGAINST SHORT HAUL FLIGHTS! ~

On November 6th, activists from around the country came together to take
action against short haul flights. Plane Stupid activists shut down the London HQ of
EasyGroup, the owners of low-cost carrier Easyjet, and London Rising Tide visited
the Civil Aviation Authority, presenting them with a giant cheque for their £9.2
billion annual subsidy.

In Cambridge, Manchester, Reading and London, there were protests outside
travel agents, while Leeds Bradford airport was plastered with anti-aviation
stickers. Robin Hood airport received a visit from Robin and his Merry Men,
doubly-angry because the airport has been opposing local wind farm applications.
Activists in Manchester dropped a banner, and in Southend a travel agents was shut
when a protestor locked herself to the front door.

30 travel agents across the UK had their front doors chained shut
by activists who left signs on the windows reading, “Closed for a total
rethink. See www.planestupid.com”

A member of staff at Flight Centre said, “Plane Stupid are causing mayhem here
today, everyone is getting all aerated and vexed.” We’ll give them “aerated and
vexed!” What about the 182 million people to die in Africa this century alone
because of climate change, or the residents of ‘hacked off’ Harmondsworth?

The day of action came as new research from HACAN Clearskies shows that 100,000
flights from Heathrow each year are to short haul destinations that are easily
reachable by the more sustainable train alternative.

Reports and photos at www.indymedia.org.uk

~ COURT REJECTS ASBOS FOR NEMA 25 ~

Loughborough Magistrates Court rejected calls from the Crown Prosecution Service to
slap ASBOs on the 24 Plane Stupid activists who they described as “highly organized
extremists” that were arrested in connection with the shut down of Nottingham East
Midlands short haul airport in September.

In an apparent move aimed to avoid having the case heard by a jury, the charge of
public nuisance was dropped, as was the charge relating to an alleged breach of the
aviation and security act.

Campaigner for Plane Stupid, Ellen Rickford, said, “The same day that we learn the
government is pushing ahead with its airport expansion proposals, they try to use
ASBOs to stamp out peaceful protest. Well, it seems their plans were as doomed as
the aviation industry.”

17 activists got one year conditional discharges (the minimum sentence available)
and each was charged £70 in costs. The 5 charged with criminal damage in addition to
aggravated trespass were given varying levels of community service. One person was
referred to Crown Court due to unresolved legal issues and another had his case
adjourned until January 31st. One other activist was unable to attend court due to
illness.

Help us pay our fines! Donate via: www.planestupid.com

~ TOP 100 GREEN CAMPAIGNERS OF ALL TIME ~

Veteran green campaigner and staunch supporter of Plane Stupid, John Stewart, has
been named by the Environment Agency as the 82nd most influential green activist of
all time! Just one position behind Mahatma Gandhi, Plane Stupid is mighty glad he’s
on our side and proud that he’s often been our spokesman!

~ MARKETING GURU PREDICTS END OF SHORT HAUL AIR TRAVEL ~

In a cover-story feature of Marketing Weekly Magazine, triggered by our national day
of action, a PR guru is quoted as saying that he thinks short haul budget air travel
will go the same way that coal did in the 80s because, “they are unnecessary,
outdated and therefore facing decline.” Too right!

~ AVIATION INDUSTRY PUBLISH “TEN REASONS TO KEEP FLYING” ~

Responding to Plane Stupid’s “10 reasons to ground the Plane” – the aviation
industry’s PR people at www.cheapflights.co.uk have come up with, “10 reasons to
keep flying!” This comes after the Stern report singled out aviation as one of the
most significant causes of climate change.

~ ‘ETHICAL MAN’ JOINS PLANE STUPID ON LONDON CLIMATE MARCH ~

Around fifty Plane Stupid-ers marched together with AirportWatch campaigners and
Stansted residents on the Campaign against Climate Change (CaCC) march to Trafalgar
Square on November 4th. There was an 8ft long wooden plane on storks, big banners
and tons of petitioning. Marching with Plane Stupid was Newsnight’s ‘ethical man’
and Seize the Day’s Theo and Shannon. Photos available soon on the website…

In the meantime, see www.indymedia.org.uk

~ POLITICS ROUND-UP ~

Gordon Brown snubbed scientists and campaigners calls for tough new green taxes and
instead opted in his pre-budget report for the pathetic political gesture of
increasing air passenger duty by £5. This news came less than a week after a report
from BA boss, Rod Eddington, who was hired by Gordon Brown and paid by us the
taxpayer, to (shock) suggest airport expansion was a good thing. So we now know that
industry bosses support their own plans. Fancy that!

~ DO YOU WANT US TO SPEAK IN YOUR AREA? ~

Plane Stupid speakers have appeared at the Lib Dem Regional Conference along with
Shadow Environment Minister, Chris Huhne; at the LSE alongside Stop Climate Chaos
director, Ashok Sinha; at student union venues including in London and Sussex; and
at local Greenpeace and FoE meetings across the UK. If you want us to come and talk
in your area, get in touch. info@planestupid.com

————————————————————-EVENTS
———————————-

CAMP FOR CLIMATE ACTION MEETINGS

Following the successful climate camp at Drax, plans are afoot for the next camp
which will be at a different location.get involved with putting plans into action.

www.climatecamp.org.uk

PLANE STUPID BENEFIT GIG/FILM SHOWING

On Friday 26th January, Brixton Jamm presents The Alabama3. Tickets available soon
via www.planestupid.com

——————————————————— RESOURCES
——————————

~ PLANE STUPID: A year in review ~

On November 29th, Plane Stupid had its first anniversary. For a reflection on the
incredible momentum we’ve built up over the last year, with video footage and photos
for download, see www.planestupid.com

~ PLANE STUPID Blog ~

Plane Stupid has established a blog at www.myspace.com/planestupid. Its first blog
entry includes, “The armchair environmentalist’s guide to offsets… or ‘How to save
the world for 38p!’)”

~ LEGAL RESOURCE FOR ACTIVISTS~

Experienced campaigners are offering free advice and training to grassroots groups
including legal skills and more. www.seedsforchange.org.uk

~ THE SHEILA McKECHNIE AWARDS ~

The Sheila McKechnie Awards provide campaign development packages to grassroots
campaigners. Up for grabs is a ‘Transport Award’.anyone wanting to apply should see:
www.sheilamckechnie.org.uk