Pipeline protests gather strength
Emuela Jaye | 15.01.2007 22:34 | Rossport Solidarity | Climate Chaos | Ecology | Globalisation | World
Active opposition is underway against the South Wales LNG pipeline in three separate locations. Objections to National Grid's controversial project are spurred by lack of consulation, safety fears, environmenal issues and climate change concerns. Protests grow stronger day by day, supported by long term campaigning, creating a spirited and unified resistance.
Today saw setbacks to the progress of the South Wales LNG Pipeline for the second week running. Work was delayed at three separate sites along the gigantic 115 mile route way, by a growing anti-pipe movement. The pipeline is part of a massive National Grid project to lay a 115-mile pipeline from Milford Haven to Tirely in Gloucestershire. The project has sparked controversy and opposition from the onset.
Machinery at Trebanos is denied access by a protest camp upon a public footpath. Currently going strong, this has halted work for eight days in a row, much to the ongoing frustration of National Grid officials. Active opposition first began in Trebanos last November with an occupation within the pipe itself.
Inspired by this protestors in Milford Haven have been camped on a public footpath right in the path of the pipe since last November.
Meanwhile at Cilfrew, residents are using a walking blockade along the access road to the site, joined by volunteers from across Britain. This, backed up by a detailed knowledge of regulations and the area is proving most effective. Actions are continuing as they have everyday since Thursday.
Supporting written campaigns are at constant work to back up the direct actions.
Opponents say their investigations have led them to the conclusion that it's purely profit led and dangerously hasty. By the Health and Safety Executive's own admission there will be a hole in this pipeline during its lifetime. The volatile safety risks, environmental destruction and significant contribution to climate chaos are the price of National Grid being left unchecked to line their pockets. Cause for a significant and ever increasing number of citizens to take action. These include local communities the length of the route, campaign group Safe Haven Network, climate change groups such as Rising Tide and those concerned with the desecration of mile after mile of beautiful land.
This wanton destruction of our environment and our basic human rights cannot and will not be allowed to continue. The local council turns a blind eye, having ridden roughshod over the very people who voted them in. Democracy has vanished into the mists. The police have become like National Grids own security guards.
This is a battle cry from the valleys of Wales, come and join us, show the establishment they cannot continue to ignore us.
These voices will not die down. We grow stronger day by day, moral is high and the atmosphere is overwhelmingly supportive. The local community are keeping a very warm welcome in the hillsides!
Machinery at Trebanos is denied access by a protest camp upon a public footpath. Currently going strong, this has halted work for eight days in a row, much to the ongoing frustration of National Grid officials. Active opposition first began in Trebanos last November with an occupation within the pipe itself.
Inspired by this protestors in Milford Haven have been camped on a public footpath right in the path of the pipe since last November.
Meanwhile at Cilfrew, residents are using a walking blockade along the access road to the site, joined by volunteers from across Britain. This, backed up by a detailed knowledge of regulations and the area is proving most effective. Actions are continuing as they have everyday since Thursday.
Supporting written campaigns are at constant work to back up the direct actions.
Opponents say their investigations have led them to the conclusion that it's purely profit led and dangerously hasty. By the Health and Safety Executive's own admission there will be a hole in this pipeline during its lifetime. The volatile safety risks, environmental destruction and significant contribution to climate chaos are the price of National Grid being left unchecked to line their pockets. Cause for a significant and ever increasing number of citizens to take action. These include local communities the length of the route, campaign group Safe Haven Network, climate change groups such as Rising Tide and those concerned with the desecration of mile after mile of beautiful land.
This wanton destruction of our environment and our basic human rights cannot and will not be allowed to continue. The local council turns a blind eye, having ridden roughshod over the very people who voted them in. Democracy has vanished into the mists. The police have become like National Grids own security guards.
This is a battle cry from the valleys of Wales, come and join us, show the establishment they cannot continue to ignore us.
These voices will not die down. We grow stronger day by day, moral is high and the atmosphere is overwhelmingly supportive. The local community are keeping a very warm welcome in the hillsides!
Emuela Jaye
