Second Battle Of Leyton Looms

Leyton in East London looks set to become the scene of another road battle as construction of the Leyton 'Relief' Road now looks imminent. The road is to be built by LB Waltham Forest and is being pushed by the local Labour council. The scheme is essentially a part of the M25 eastern bypass, much of which has now been built. Local people are continuing to oppose the one and a quarter mile stretch through the Walthamstow Marsh nature reserve.

Construction looks set to begin in January 1999. There are squattable houses at the end of the route where the road is to join the M11 link road, but tree houses and tunnels do not look possible due to the marshy ground and young trees.

Local people have been fighting the scheme for twenty years and as the campaign looks set to adopt Direct Action they would appreciate the support and solidarity of activists. Fresh ideas are needed and more immediately help is required with publicity.

Contact: katya@kay-oss1.demon.co.uk Sorry no phone contact.

STOP PRESS: Work has now started with the clearance of some young trees.