Road protesters invade Department of Transport

Matthew Tempest, political correspondent
Tuesday August 16, 2005

Archeologists work at the site of an early East Saxon king's burial site at Southend, Essex
Archeologists work at the site of an early East Saxon king's burial site at Southend, Essex. Photograph: Faith Vardy/PA

A group of anti-road protesters this morning locked themselves into the headquarters of the Department of Transport to highlight opposition to a road-building scheme in Essex.

Four demonstrators handcuffed themselves together in the reception of the Whitehall building while a small crowd outside held up banners opposing the multimillion pound scheme in Southend.

Protesters, who say they will stay put until they have a meeting with departmental officials, claim the expansion of the A127 will tarmac over an Saxon king's burial site, and mean the destruction of 113 trees.

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Speaking from inside the building, campaigner Shaun Qureshi said: "This protest is to draw attention to one of the most ridiculous road schemes ever devised, to put pressure on the decision makers to stop funding and to show that, should the final go-ahead be given, the people of Southend will take direct action to stop it.".

The group - calling themselves Parklife - have waged a five year campaign against the 870m widening of the road, currently a single carriageway, into a dual carriageway.

Last year, during preparatory works for the road, the tomb of an early Christian King of Essex from around 600AD was discovered.

The relics were exhibited at the Museum of London, where the chief archaeologist, David Miles, called it a "discovery of international importance which stunningly illuminates the rich and complex world of the so-called Dark Ages".

A public consultation saw 20,000 local residents object to the scheme. A decision from the Department of Transport is expected shortly.

The planned road-widening will also necessitate the construction of a new rail bridge.

A Department of Transport spokesman said: "[We] have been in contact before with Parklife about their concerns regarding this scheme. Only yesterday we wrote to them in response to their most recent enquiry.

"The scheme was originally approved in 2000 and has gone through the necessary statutory procedures - which give due attention and consideration to environmental concerns and provide opportunity for people to raise objections.

"The local highway authority, Southend on Sea borough council, has recently submitted a bid for additional funding to proceed with the scheme. This is currently being considered by the Department. No decision has yet been made.

"The protesters have delivered a further submission today from the department's reception, to which the department will respond in due course."

Good action people........and thankyou.
Dont know anything about this proposal......until this action and posting.
Doesnt look good according to the paper report.....for a positive outcome........but heres to you all, good luck, best wishes and thankyou.
AC