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International Press Briefing
24 January 1996
WEDNESDAY 24 JANUARY (Telephone 020 7566 1648 for details of travel arrangements by Monday 22 January at 5pm)
As the battle of the Newbury bypass enters its third week, Friends of the Earth is holding a special briefing and tour for the international media in Newbury.
For the past two weeks, peaceful protesters have repeatedly halted work on this controversial road. Doubts about its political worth are mounting as construction and security costs have soared amidst growing public opposition.
This special briefing offers opportunties to find out why this road is fast becoming a political and financial disaster as well as an environmental one. The briefing will cover a wide range of issues including:
What are the environmental impacts? A visit to key sites under threat - some of the finest and most historic countryside in the UK.
Public opinion. Opportunities to talk to local people, businesspeople and campaigners who are peacefully opposing the Newbury bypass.
Government tactics. How the Government is trying to prevent protesters from exercising their democratic rights.
The alternative. Why this road is not the answer to Newbury's traffic problems.
Why was the road ever given the go-ahead? Why is the Government so determined to proceed with this outmoded road scheme?
ENDS
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Sep 2008
