Derby Defiance

Derby residents set up a city centre camp in February after plans to develop one of their few green spaces were revealed. The area, Bass Recreation Park and Mill Fleam, was donated to the people of Derby in 1876 with more land being given by the Bass brewery in the 70s. It is now used as a public open space and a grade 1 wildlife site. Despite this, the City Council and developers Norwest Holst intend to bulldoze through the area for a filter road and roundabout. Plans extend to demolishing the existing bus station to build a shopping centre in its place. A new bus station with space for half as many buses is to be built on an area currently used as a small ornamental water garden.

There are already 20 people on site with tree houses being put up and donations made from day one. A local TV company ran a vox pop which concluded that for every 2 residents in support of the road there were 8(!) against. Apparently the Bass brewery are also not particularly happy about the proposed development: whilst they are trying to create more public parks for the millenium they don't want the ones they've already given trashed. Climbers and support needed - contact Derby Friends of the Earth on 01332 727237 or Nottingham EF!.