Archived press release
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Newbury Campaign - Construction firms targeted
31 January 1996
Friends of the Earth today launched a nationwide campaign to discourage construction companies from accepting the contract to build the Newbury bypass. Advertisements will be placed this week in the national press [1]urging the public to write to the chief executives of the bidding companies warning that if they win the contract they will be targeted for high-profile action during shareholder meetings.
Final agreement has not been reached with the Highways Agency over which firm is to build the controversial road but reports in the construction industry press point to deep disquiet in tendering firms over the cost and controversy surrounding the proposed route [2]. Friends of the Earth believes shareholder action could discourage even the most bullish companies to rethink their Newbury bids [3].
Tony Juniper, Deputy Campaigns Director of Friends of the Earth, said:
"Public opposition to this road is massive and the company that wins the contract will face years of high-profile actions that will render its profits even more marginal than its actions on the ground will."
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
[1] Artwork for the national press ad follows.
[2] According to Construction News, 18th January 1996, contractors believe that the bypass will cost at least 80 million - 20 million more than was originally tendered in 1994.
[3] The companies reportedly bidding for the contract include: Amec, Alfred McAlpine, Costain, Keir-Hochtief, Mowlem, Tarmac.
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
