Get your own Free Home PageFollowing the excellent decision made by John Prescott to hold a public inquiry jubilant protesters have stated they will vacate the site leaving it as it was found. The process of tatting down (removing tree houses and camps) has already begun. The site is expected to be clear within 2-3 weeks. Some protesters will be remaining in the area to assist with the public inquiry.
This protest has been very different from previous Non Violent Direct Action protests as the main focus has been on raising public awareness. Through the process of handing out leaflets, asking people to write letters, walking to London and a few to-the-point actions the campaign has highlighted the facts.
This campaign has been a joint effort by local villagers and protesters; communication has been good. Friendships have been formed with some locals saying they'll be sad to see us go, perhaps the sound of drums and laughter drifting over the landscape is more pleasant than large trucks and sirens from the quarry. I feel the locals have realised that although we may dress and act funny that we're real people just like them.
One lesson learnt is that writing to your MP does work if every who objects does it. On this campaign the facts have been fully researched giving rise to strong arguments that cannot be ignored accompanied by a determination to succeed.
The Aqua campaign will be moving on, watch this space.
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