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Security Guards join Newbury Bypass protestors
8 February 1996
Three Newbury security guards have today switched sides to join anti-bypass protesters.
The first, disgusted by his treatment by Reliance Security, walked off site at noon today after being told that he was "under surveillance" for talking to protesters. He was soon followed by Graham Wanstal, a Reliance cameraman, who claims he left after being demoted for filming another security guard. A third guard, Steve Ray, claims he was sacked on the spot after remarking on an alleged assault that he witnessed by one of the security company's team leaders against a protester.
Tony Juniper, Deputy Campaigns Director at Friends of the Earth, said:
"Many of the guards disagree with the tactics of the security company which forbids fraternisation with protesters and whose leaders have shown unwarranted aggression towards those peacefully standing up for the countryside. It's no surprise that people have had enough and are joining those against the road".
Brett Shepherd, until recently a Reliance Security Guard at Newbury, said after his defection:
"On Monday, I started work believing the protesters would be idiots. After speaking to them I found them to be just like me and to have reasonable arguments. That is why I have decided to join them."
The security guards are being invited to speak at the mass walk and rally organised by Friends of the Earth, the Third Battle of Newbury and Greenpeace on the route of the Newbury bypass on Sunday. Free membership of Friends of the Earth will be offered to the defecting guards in recognition of their brave action in leaving their paid employment to join the protesters.
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
