Newbury Clearance Work Starting Now!

The route of the proposed Newbury Bypass, Berkshire, is set for imminent trashing - unless we ALL stop it. The pro-roads lobby such as the British Roads Federation, are spending vast amounts of time and money campaigning FOR the road. Stakes are high, success for them means any opposition to their plans can ultimately be ignored. In stopping them, the power of the road lobby would be destroyed. Some of the most beautiful and important land left in this country would also be saved.

The campaign against the bypass has experienced a major legal setback as the EC dropped 40 different complaints issued to them (still believe we live in a 'democracy'?). However, one last legal hope is that the road will be shelved due to cuts in the budget (November 28th). Unfortunately, clearance work on the route looks likely to start around the 6th - 8th November. People are desperately needed to stop this work. The contract is set to go to Costain. If you can't get to Newbury they've got an office near you! Go and occupy it. A Highways Agency source suggests that this “preliminary clearance” (trashing) contract is for £6m. Such contracts are never normally more than £0.5m. Looks like they’re expecting trouble doesn’t it?!

There are seven camps along the route and they urgently need your support. If you've never been to a road protest camp before don't worry, just give the Third Battle of Newbury office a ring and talk to them. They are arranging regular training and route walks - go along! As well as people, equipment and money are desperately needed. Old marquees, blankets, CB radios, bikes, plastic sheeting, scaffolding, computers, camping stoves - anything you can think of!

Get in touch with the Third Battle of Newbury now and get on the emergency phone tree. Telephone 01635 45544/45545.

Make cheques out to Third Battle of Newbury, and send to PO BOX 5520, Newbury, Berkshire. RG14 7YW.