Archived press release

Newbury: FOE acts to ensure safety

23 January 1996

Friends of the Earth has today written to Nick Marsh, Principle Construction Inspector, at the Health and Safety Executive, over its concerns over tree-felling on the route of the proposed Newbury Bypass. Trees are being felled in a way that contravenes HSE guidelines [1]. Yesterday (Monday, 22 January) police reported that a tree fell the wrong way and dislodged a protester from a tree. Fortunately he was saved from injury by his safety harness. Friends of the Earth is also concerned at reports that chainsaw operators are breaching HSE guidelines by dangerously using chainsaws in very close proximity to bystanders - both security guards and protestors [2].

Friends of the Earth is also disturbed by reports of isolated incidents of violence in connection with anti-bypass protests. Charles Secrett, Director of Friends of the Earth, issued the following statement:

"1. Friends of the Earth, in its 25 years of operation, has never condoned, supported, encouraged or incited others to take part in, violent protest of any kind. Nor will this position change in the future. Our information on active protest campaigns stress the peaceful intent and activities of Friends of the Earth as a public interest campaigning organisation.

2. We totally totally condemn all acts of violence and deliberate damage, in connection with the Newbury or any other campaign. Anyone commiting such acts would only harm the campaign against the bypass.

3. Friends of the Earth has worked hard from the beginning to ensure that a friendly and good relationship between the police, protesters and contractor develops. We will do everything we can to ensure that this positive relationship continues.

4. Friends of the Earth's support of the peaceful protest at Newbury includes providing: a) independent Legal Observers [which have been welcomed by police, contractors and protesters]; b) help with media work c) and, facilitating communications between the various parties. A support office space is being provided by Newbury Friends of the Earth. 5) Finally, Friends of the Earth is concerned about reports of agent provocateurs' who may try and exploit the situation on the ground for their own ends. We are also aware of attempts by prominent pro-bypass supporters to provide the media with false information about the protest. Recently, disturbing and incorrect stories have been circulating about the promotion of vandalism and violence at Newbury on the Internet. One of these allegations is currently the subject of legal action against the perpetrator by Friends of the Earth."

ENDS

[1] Basic Felling by Chainsaw' CL302. Issued by the Forestry and Arboriculture Safety and Training Council states that operators should maintain a safe working distance (at least two tree lenghts) between himself/herself and others.

[2]. Petrol Driven Chainsaws'. CL301 . Issued by the Forestry and Arboriculture Safety and Training Council states that operators should maintain a safe working distance from all other people at all times.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust