Opencast Evictions
From Oct. 23 - 27, the joint longest eviction in the British Isles since World War 2 was contested between anti open cast protesters and 'Celtic Energy'. After months of the squatters blocking their corporate rape of the land, C.E. moved in to try and clear the site of all life. As they came in, every morning, they didn't anticipate the intense resistance to their no expenses spared operation. They made slow and expensive gain despite throwing loads of money, equipment, armies of veteran security, tooled up bailiffs and the scab climbers used at Stanworth. Small but beautifully formed, Brynhenllys' limited space saw concentrated struggle. The length and ferocity of the eviction was made by the human element: on the ground, in barricaded buildings and in the trees.
The first and second days saw site access contested effectively, although they eventually won through. Day two heated up with over twenty arrests, most were locals. Some security were nicked for sexually molesting children. Violence to pensioners, toddlers was obviously acceptable. Well barricaded and locked - in buildings took all day two to evict. They were re occupied and defended the next day.
Cherry pickers, chainsaw wielding bailiffs and £300 a day climbing scum took a while to be effective. On the first day, unwalkwayed and undefended trees were lost. Lessons were learnt. Progress was slow as every tree and walkway was defended: weight of numbers held back climbers. Some went for high tree sits, most stayed mobile re grouping to defend the next 'target'. Chainsaws were foiled by getting onto and around the branches. Un-clipped protesters were harder to cherry pick - climbers were less ready to wrestle up high. Heavy S. Wales wind and rain helped out in confrontation as climbers bottled out of going up to 'unsafe' conditions. Days of exposure took toll on protesters. C.E. stranded people at the top of trees over night by cutting lower branches, denying food, shelter and other human rights whilst security got violent at night. As well as getting stuck in local campaigners, food and hospitality carried the campaign through these difficult times: the battle went on.
After five days the camp was overrun. Protesters have moved on to Selar to re-group and prepare for future action. The lessons learnt at Brynhenllys will pay dividends at Selar which is under imminent eviction threat. There, we'll give them another welcome in the hillsides.
For up to date info on the eviction of Selar ring: 0589 114899, 01685 873993, 01222 383363.