We Shut Whatley!
The 'national' Earth First! action to shut down Whatley Quarry in Somerset on Monday December 4th, was an even greater success than expected. The aim of the action was to highlight the destruction of the Mendip Hills and the quarry's proposed expansion. A week later the owners (Amey Roadstone Corporation, ARC) hadn't managed to restart work!
At 5.30am, 400 activists descended on the quarry. Small teams ensured gates were blockaded and all plant and machinery occupied. Most groups were fully prepared due to workshops held the previous day, at a camp several miles from Whatley. Detailed maps and a predetermined plan ensured police and security were out manoeuvred.Tripods were carried 9 miles over night and set up on the quarry's rail line whilst lorries were turned away. Drummers, colourful costumes and bagpipes kept spirits high.
By midday police sent security to drag down a large group that had occupied a spoil heap. 50 were arrested - until police vans were full. Scuffles broke out as people blocked the vans. One protesters leg was run over. It was badly bruised, not broken as first thought.
Others ensured ARC paid a more realistic price for Mendip stone (presently sold between 2 and 3/tonne). Press reports state that 250,000 worth of damage was caused - not counting the cost of one weeks lost production, for a quarry normally selling 11,000 tonnes per day!
Twenty metres of railway track leading out of the quarry 'disappeared'; the control panel for video monitoring of the plant fell apart; a 2 story crane pulled itself to bits; 3 control rooms dismantled themselves; and several diggers and conveyor belts 'broke down'. Media reports centred on an oil spill from a storage tank, but this was not caused by protesters. The oil had leaked out before their arrival.
64 people were arrested, filling every nearby police station. Most of the arrests were for aggravated trespass (CJA) while a couple were for alleged criminal damage and assault. Cases are due to be heard on January 10th and 17th in Frome. Charges resulting from a 1993 action have been dropped. 27 people are now suing the police.
In 1993, 32 people attended a national EF! action at Whatley. Lord Hanson (owner of ARC) take heed. We're growing and we'll be back!
Arrested at Whatley Quarry on December 4th? Contact South Somerset Earth First! 01935 825074. Witnessess & photographic evidence of arrests or assaults also required.