Batheaston Bypass Opening Disrupted

Around sixty people disrupted the opening of the Batheaston Bypass through Solsbury Hill on 11th July. Banners were hung from bridges along the route from 7am, including a twenty five foot banner reading ‘DESTRUCTION’. The roads minister John Watts was due to open the road at 9.30am, but his executive coach was blocked as it travelled down the new dual carriageway (three arrests for aggravated trespass). He made his speech an hour late, and then cut the ribbon, accompanied by the usual shouting and heckling from the protesters who had been cordoned off by police horses. The road was blocked for nearly two hours until most people had been arrested for obstruction of the highway. There were about twenty three arrests altogether. The few that were remaining caused traffic jams by employing helpful pelican crossings, infuriating the police who couldn’t find a reason to arrest them.

Since the opening there have been traffic jams on the old and new roads nearly every day (not caused by protests), and the villagers of Batheaston are complaining of speeding traffic.

There will be a Reclaim The Streets in Bath on Saturday 17th August. For more details contact Avon Gorge Earth First! on: 01225 448556 or 01225 314040.