Naburn Woods

‘Naburn Woods - Healthcare in Action!’ is just one of the signs painted around this former hospital site near York where direct action folks have had their busiest month yet fending off developers BAA Mc Arthur Glenn.

As the NHS served eviction notices, the previously quiet camp went into a frenzy of activity, up trees and into tunnels and drawing in an astounding rush of community support. A constant stream of York people brought blankets/tarps /food/clothes/climbing gear/tools/beer and good wishes. They climbed trees, helped build lock-ons and barricades, painted and added support on the camp noticeboard.

The NHS remained tight lipped about why they were ruining the long term health of York. By trading woodland for factory outlet shops that would draw traffic from seventy miles away. They admitted that they were only thinking short term and that the protesters were right to be concerned.

Sir John Greetham, non-executive director, visited the site in his Range Rover belching fumes and accusing the protesters of wasting NHS money by using NVDA.

That evening it was nationally exposed that his £25,000 car and £10,000 perks, all paid by the NHS, made him the country’s number one public service fatcat. Not just NHS corruption is involved, Caddick Developments have bought up all the adjacent farmland and are confident of trashing the swathe of countryside south of York once the Naburn shops and access road are completed.

When the eviction came on the 25th September continual positive local coverage and support meant that even the forty bailiffs men were half hearted and the chief of police was apologetic about there having to be an eviction at all. Nothing was trashed and £30,000 worth of fencing went up around the site despite there being rights of way. Even these have been kept open, locals being accompanied by security every time they walk their dogs.

There is increasing awareness among the locals that the land is as much theirs as anyone elses. There is now a camp on the gate-being looked after by sympathetic security! Bizarrely they found out that when they dress up as protesters passing cars start tooting their horns and people offer support!

Meanwhile actions are in the pipeline. Help is always welcome so visit the site and get involved. Contact 01904 410185 for more details.