Weymouth relief road protesters take to the trees
7:30am Friday 12th December 2008
Comments (77)PROTESTERS have set up a camp in the trees to protect ancient woodland from being destroyed for the Weymouth relief road.
Three men made it over a fence and past security staff in the Two-Mile Coppice before scaling the trees they want to save.
They used climbing equipment to make it up the trees and have tied up sheeting to sleep on.
One of the men, Nick Pepper, 41, who is from Weymouth originally but now lives in Bristol, intends to stay in the trees until Dorset County Council decides against building the road.
He told the Echo from the trees: “I’m here to try and stop them chopping down this Site of Special Scientific Interest.
“We’ve had men here with chainsaws and a helicopter above as they are trying to get us to leave.
“But enough is enough as there is only five per cent of our ancient woodland left. “When will it stop?
“When this is gone it’s gone forever and these are the lungs of the earth so it’s ecological suicide. They are already cutting trees down but this is wrong.”
Another protester, known as ‘Noddy,’ said he also lived in Weymouth previously and was going to stay in the trees until the council decided against building the road.
He added: “People should come and join the protest as it’s their wood that’s being destroyed.
“This is the right thing to do as it is a matter of conscience.”
A county council spokesman said they had already asked eight people to leave part of the wood where clearance work is being done when the protestors made it into the trees.
She said the council is assessing its position on how to safely and legally remove them and Dorset Police, who have a presence in the wood, are advising.
Head of highways Andy Ackerman said the tree coppicing work is continuing.
He said: “These people are not entitled to be on the land and for their own safety we are seeking advice on the best way to remove them.
“The Weymouth relief road will improve the reliability of journey times and help support public transport.
“It has overwhelming support from local residents and businesses and the scheme has gone through every necessary procedure including a public inquiry.
“This route has been chosen for the road so that it will have the least possible impact on local wildlife.
“We are doing everything we can to salvage and reuse materials taken from the western edge strip of woodland.
“Living stumps will be relocated as will deadwood for habitat and woodland soils and oak timber will be used for a new bat roost.”
The council started clearing the wood on Monday but a day later work stopped when the Woodland Trust told them they did not have the legal right to enter the Two-Mile Coppice.
The Government approved a compulsory purchase order to buy a stretch of the woodland but the trust insisted the purchase had not been completed and a notice of entry was required.
The notice was provided and workers returned with chainsaws yesterday.
Your Say YourDorset Echo
Albo, Wyke Regis says...
8:05am Fri 12 Dec 08
I might suggest a fire hose on a cold night.
Ask Archie, Weymouth says...
8:26am Fri 12 Dec 08
terra firma, wimborne says...
8:38am Fri 12 Dec 08
Albo wrote:spot on Albo
Best way to remove them? I might suggest a fire hose on a cold night.
Some chilly nights and sodden days will help Sgt Pepper and his cohorts reflect on and count the creature comforts that the roads and other forms of transport bring!
F1, Weymouth says...
8:50am Fri 12 Dec 08
I expect you need a rest after the long walk via any roads.
Now why dont you and your mate pot of back to where you live now.
Atalanta, Weymouth says...
9:04am Fri 12 Dec 08
mikeman, Portland says...
9:44am Fri 12 Dec 08
Then put the hoses on them 24/7 they will soon come down & then arrest them for trespass.
SnakeskinCowboy, Weymouth says...
9:52am Fri 12 Dec 08
They will also have to sign on soon surely...
Wessex Lass, Dorchester says...
10:04am Fri 12 Dec 08
psy, Lymington says...
10:29am Fri 12 Dec 08
Personally, id rather pay my tax to keep them in the trees then tarmac over a valuble ecosystem for my own selfish need.
fishman68, Weymouth says...
10:39am Fri 12 Dec 08
wyke resident, weymouth says...
10:42am Fri 12 Dec 08
stephen b., Weymouth says...
10:47am Fri 12 Dec 08
stephen b., Weymouth says...
10:49am Fri 12 Dec 08
Albo, Wyke Regis says...
10:53am Fri 12 Dec 08
psy wrote:By the powers vested in me I pronounce today's KING OF WRONG to be psy.
Needless destruction to build yet another road to relieve a busy road, so people can arrive a few minutes earlier in the comfort of there own personal metal box. Personally, id rather pay my tax to keep them in the trees then tarmac over a valuble ecosystem for my own selfish need.
Personally, I'd rather my tax went on investment in my home town to safeguard jobs, and to ensure that Simply Red are banned forever.
Yours
Albert O'Balsam
EMPEROR OF EXCELLENT
fishman68, Weymouth says...
11:00am Fri 12 Dec 08
stephen b. wrote:A mature comment one would expect from the anti-road spinsters. Why cant they just go back to the cave theve crawled out from?
This'll wind the pro-roaders up at least! Great stuff guys!!
A similiar pointless protest occurred on the Bath Bypass, the only thing they achieved was extending the scale of the works required, delaying the project and therefore creating more damage to the environment!! These people are obviously short on Brain matter unable to digest the consequences of there own actions!
I'm looking forward to when they get arrested hopefully sometime later today!
Albo, Wyke Regis says...
11:11am Fri 12 Dec 08
fishman68 wrote:I'm looking forward to when they get arrested hopefully sometime later today!
stephen b. wrote: This'll wind the pro-roaders up at least! Great stuff guys!!A mature comment one would expect from the anti-road spinsters. Why cant they just go back to the cave theve crawled out from? A similiar pointless protest occurred on the Bath Bypass, the only thing they achieved was extending the scale of the works required, delaying the project and therefore creating more damage to the environment!! These people are obviously short on Brain matter unable to digest the consequences of there own actions! I'm looking forward to when they get arrested hopefully sometime later today!
Arrested? I know a geezer who can source a couple of leopards if the Council are that way inclined. Our tree-hugging friends won't be quite so close to nature once these little beauties get off the leash.
mikeman, Portland says...
11:12am Fri 12 Dec 08
stephen b. wrote:We are not assuming that they are on benefits but there is a strong possibility so that is the first thing to check. Any so called protesters tree huggers & do gooders of any description should have there benefit stopped, if they are tree hugging they are not looking for work & if they can climb tree’s then they are fit enough for work .
...and why are we assuming that anyone taking part in an anti-road protest is on the DSS?
Why should tax paying working people support protesters when it’s those tax paying working people that want roads & airports etc.
cranski, Dorset says...
11:40am Fri 12 Dec 08
I suspect they are white, middle class, dreadlocked and army booted posh boys still trying to get over the guilt they feel from their over-privileged private-school and servant upbringing. I've met these types before, and believe me they're invariably like that.
Having said that, got to feel sorry for 'em stuck up there in this cold, might freeze some sense into em eh?
shy talk, says...
11:45am Fri 12 Dec 08
Genghis, Portland says...
11:46am Fri 12 Dec 08
fishman68, Weymouth says...
11:49am Fri 12 Dec 08
cranski wrote:Nah, I certainly do not feel sorry for them. I hope they get frozen and then arrested just before being heckled for being the waste of space that they are!
I don't reckon they're on benefits o at all. People on the social don't really have the luxury of being able to swan around the countryside complaining and winding up locals. I suspect they are white, middle class, dreadlocked and army booted posh boys still trying to get over the guilt they feel from their over-privileged private-school and servant upbringing. I've met these types before, and believe me they're invariably like that. Having said that, got to feel sorry for 'em stuck up there in this cold, might freeze some sense into em eh?
Baxters, nottington says...
11:50am Fri 12 Dec 08
Albo, Wyke Regis says...
12:00pm Fri 12 Dec 08
"I know a song that'll get on your nerves - get on your nerves - get on your nerves"
Then release the leopards.
bluecat, Weymouth says...
12:15pm Fri 12 Dec 08
fishman68, Weymouth says...
12:32pm Fri 12 Dec 08
maximus, Weymouth says...
12:59pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Fabian, Weymouth says...
1:34pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Leopards YES YES YES...
Otherwise we could all take turns shaking the tree. I'm sure there are enough Weymouth residents who would like go! Maybe there could be a prize for the person who dislodges them; or we could use the tree huggers as a pinata. Great seasonal entertainment!
Albo, Wyke Regis says...
1:47pm Fri 12 Dec 08
For a pound a go, if you manage to grab a tree-hugger you get to keep him.
Then release the leopards.
fishman68, Weymouth says...
1:49pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Fabian wrote:Sounds like a brilliant plan! Im up for it!, and when they are sucessfully dislodged we could charge £1 a go to kick em when they land on the ground!!
Albo you are just so funny! Leopards YES YES YES... Otherwise we could all take turns shaking the tree. I'm sure there are enough Weymouth residents who would like go! Maybe there could be a prize for the person who dislodges them; or we could use the tree huggers as a pinata. Great seasonal entertainment!
fishman68, Weymouth says...
1:50pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Scolopax, Wyke Regis says...
2:16pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Albo, Wyke Regis says...
2:19pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Scolopax wrote:Look, I've spent the morning googling "Leopards for Hire" after my pal Bill Oddie* let me down on the man-eating feline front.
's funny lots of you have bleated on about 'give me a shovel and I'll build the bl**dy thing' in the past but you've never had the balls to actually do anything, as soon as some-else takes direct action you complain...gutless wonders one and all.
What have YOU Done?
* Never be a name-dropper - Ricky Gervais told me that at Bowie's house.
Scolopax, Wyke Regis says...
2:28pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Pericles, Weymouth says...
2:35pm Fri 12 Dec 08
navy veteran, Weymouth says...
2:55pm Fri 12 Dec 08
southwell speak, portland says...
2:56pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Dorset Maid, Shaftesbury says...
5:26pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Genghis, Portland says...
5:37pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Dorset Maid wrote:"Weymouth and Portland residents who wanted a bypass were actually in the minority."
As usual the level of this debate is childish however, I should like to send Mr Ackerman to Kingston Maurward as I am sure the college on his doorstep would explain what coppicing is. Bulldozing ancient woodland is not a sustainable activity but is part of a sustained effort by DCC to tarmac over our heritage. Weymouth and Portland residents who wanted a bypass were actually in the minority but that has all been lost in the Olympic spin. The Olympic Committee wanted better public transport not roads.
How do you work that one out then? I am resident of Weymouth and Portland unlike you and I've never seen this referendum/survey that you imply has been carried out to gain such a specific result. What I can tell you though is that through talking to friends who are also residents of the area that the overwhelming majority are in favour. Of about 150 people I've spoken to only 2 have been against it.
staffs, weymouth says...
5:43pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Just cut down the other trees and leave them to freeze, they'll come down eventually especially in high winds and rain.
Or just cut the trees down with them in it, which ever is easier.
Birdseye, Weymouth says...
6:05pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Genghis wrote:The numbers are on the DCC website, and Dorset maid is correct.
Dorset Maid wrote:"Weymouth and Portland residents who wanted a bypass were actually in the minority."
As usual the level of this debate is childish however, I should like to send Mr Ackerman to Kingston Maurward as I am sure the college on his doorstep would explain what coppicing is. Bulldozing ancient woodland is not a sustainable activity but is part of a sustained effort by DCC to tarmac over our heritage. Weymouth and Portland residents who wanted a bypass were actually in the minority but that has all been lost in the Olympic spin. The Olympic Committee wanted better public transport not roads.
How do you work that one out then? I am resident of Weymouth and Portland unlike you and I've never seen this referendum/survey that you imply has been carried out to gain such a specific result. What I can tell you though is that through talking to friends who are also residents of the area that the overwhelming majority are in favour. Of about 150 people I've spoken to only 2 have been against it.
Coop de Gras, WEYMOUTH says...
6:09pm Fri 12 Dec 08
broadweybabe, Broadwey says...
6:46pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Genghis, Portland says...
6:51pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Birdseye wrote:You wouldn't mind providing a link to these numbers would you? Or would you at least tell me what these numbers relate to? For example is it the result of a referendum of the population of Weymouth and Portland or just the number of objections?
Genghis wrote:The numbers are on the DCC website, and Dorset maid is correct.Dorset Maid wrote: As usual the level of this debate is childish however, I should like to send Mr Ackerman to Kingston Maurward as I am sure the college on his doorstep would explain what coppicing is. Bulldozing ancient woodland is not a sustainable activity but is part of a sustained effort by DCC to tarmac over our heritage. Weymouth and Portland residents who wanted a bypass were actually in the minority but that has all been lost in the Olympic spin. The Olympic Committee wanted better public transport not roads."Weymouth and Portland residents who wanted a bypass were actually in the minority." How do you work that one out then? I am resident of Weymouth and Portland unlike you and I've never seen this referendum/survey that you imply has been carried out to gain such a specific result. What I can tell you though is that through talking to friends who are also residents of the area that the overwhelming majority are in favour. Of about 150 people I've spoken to only 2 have been against it.
Fabian, Weymouth says...
6:58pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Now that your witticisms have been featured on facebook, can we look forward to a regular feature by you in the Echo; or a dedicated group on the afore mentioned website? Perhaps a standup act at the pavilion (subject to planning approvals etc)?
franchise, weymouth says...
7:27pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Genghis, Portland says...
8:05pm Fri 12 Dec 08
franchise wrote:Indeed I am suitably humbled. No letters on the fire service? Well shame on you as well.
36 letters on pavilion, 46 on this story a few on our poor council who are short of money and not one on your fireservice. I just hope you will never need our firemen at any point. Shame on you
Scolopax, Wyke Regis says...
8:53pm Fri 12 Dec 08
kp911, weymouth says...
11:20pm Fri 12 Dec 08
Genghis, Portland says...
11:26pm Fri 12 Dec 08
kp911 wrote:I'm sure the house you live in is built on a landscape that was thousands of years old. How do you justify that destruction just for the sole benefit of your personal comfort?
Dorset won't be rural much longer what a shame. Tree's of this age should be preserved and protected they have survived many winters and wars why do we have the right to harm them. I understand the need for development but not destruction.
Pericles, Weymouth says...
4:26pm Sat 13 Dec 08
Scolopax, Wyke Regis says...
7:24pm Sat 13 Dec 08
DonG, says...
7:45pm Sat 13 Dec 08
Scolopax wrote:That all depends on if the flag was up the POLE?
Elsewhere on this site someone has commented on the 'non-local' labour being used in the Project. I was alarmed today to see a Swedish Flag flying at the Construction Site, what does this signify?
Techie, Weymouth says...
8:14pm Sat 13 Dec 08
Scolopax wrote:Possibly that you haven't been paying attention...
Elsewhere on this site someone has commented on the 'non-local' labour being used in the Project. I was alarmed today to see a Swedish Flag flying at the Construction Site, what does this signify?
http://www.skanska.c
o.uk/en/Projects/Dis
play-project/?pid=58
Why were you 'alarmed' to see a Swedish flag, anyway? What does that signify?
maximus, Weymouth says...
8:14pm Sat 13 Dec 08
Atalanta, Weymouth says...
8:17pm Sat 13 Dec 08
Scolopax wrote:Imported cheap labour. Just like on Portland and elsewhere, wherever they are constructing something.
Elsewhere on this site someone has commented on the 'non-local' labour being used in the Project. I was alarmed today to see a Swedish Flag flying at the Construction Site, what does this signify?
Atalanta, Weymouth says...
8:19pm Sat 13 Dec 08
pachyderm, says...
8:42pm Sat 13 Dec 08
Scolopax wrote:I would be more alarmed if it was an Icelandic flag ! They do have our loose change pay for the "rent-o-leopard" solution !
Elsewhere on this site someone has commented on the 'non-local' labour being used in the Project. I was alarmed today to see a Swedish Flag flying at the Construction Site, what does this signify?
Genghis, Portland says...
9:50pm Sat 13 Dec 08
Pericles wrote:The Earth is 4.5 billion years old but I didn't mention the Earth. I mentioned the landscape of Weymouth which certainly wasn't around 4.5 billion years ago.
Genghis, your logic is, well, non existent! In fact that last statement is quite ridiculous. Of course all houses are built on ancient land - in fact 4.5 billion years old to be exact. What on earth has that got to do with anything?
Maybe my point wasn't made as well as it could have been. It seems to me that people who oppose all modern development would also be just as opposed to previous destruction of the natural landscape. Otherwise it would be do as I say not as I do. Basically if you "eco-warriors" want to change the world to your design then show us how your design would work. No more building of roads, workplaces, houses, transport etc so give us examples of how we are to live and survive in Ecotopia.
Techie, Weymouth says...
1:28am Sun 14 Dec 08
Atalanta wrote:And nothing to do with the fact that Skanska UK's parent company is..... wait for it.... Swedish. They do this at all their construction sites.
Scolopax wrote:Imported cheap labour. Just like on Portland and elsewhere, wherever they are constructing something.
Elsewhere on this site someone has commented on the 'non-local' labour being used in the Project. I was alarmed today to see a Swedish Flag flying at the Construction Site, what does this signify?
Scolopax, Wyke Regis says...
9:00am Sun 14 Dec 08
pachyderm, says...
10:05am Sun 14 Dec 08
Scolopax wrote:I'm still waiting for the Iceland flag to go up over County Hall !
Thanks Techie, I was well aware of that, however many companies in the UK are foreign owned but do not fly a National flag, Abbey is owned by a Spanish Bank but we do not see Spanish flag outside their Banks.
dar, bristol says...
12:04pm Sun 14 Dec 08
Scolopax, Wyke Regis says...
12:05pm Sun 14 Dec 08
Techie, Weymouth says...
5:29pm Sun 14 Dec 08
Scolopax wrote:Nor the Union Flag, which Skanska also flies at its construction sites.
Thanks Techie, I was well aware of that, however many companies in the UK are foreign owned but do not fly a National flag, Abbey is owned by a Spanish Bank but we do not see Spanish flag outside their Banks.
It's would appear to be some corporate policy of theirs and I would suggest it's up to them and their shareholders to decide whether they fly flags at their sites.
Rather than being concerned or alarmed, why not appreciate that they obviously take pride in being a Swedish company with an identitity and a history rather than some faceless Megacorp Plc?
Pachyderm - if you haven't got anything useful to say, which you seldom do, please don't. Easy reckoner: if you've used an exclamation mark it's probably preceded by a bad pun or a crass analogy and you DO NOT NEED to click the Add Comment button. Really.
maximus, Weymouth says...
5:58pm Sun 14 Dec 08
Scolopax, Wyke Regis says...
10:18pm Sun 14 Dec 08
SnakeskinCowboy, Weymouth says...
11:21pm Sun 14 Dec 08
The massive amount of damage to the trees there from the tree huggers is still evident, 10 years later.
What a total bunch of hypocrites.
cub, Crossways says...
4:33pm Mon 15 Dec 08
Scolopax, Wyke Regis says...
5:40pm Mon 15 Dec 08
staffs, weymouth says...
7:06pm Mon 15 Dec 08
Which one of us is the narrow minded bigot?
dopey, says...
9:44pm Mon 15 Dec 08
cub, Crossways says...
11:39pm Mon 15 Dec 08
Yeah Crossways has got a busy road running through it, like Littlemoor which is gonna end up with the relief road running right through it. It aint just about trees this, its also about how this scheme will affect people living in one of the poorest estates in town.
Techie, Weymouth says...
1:22am Tue 16 Dec 08
cub wrote:Oh come on, you can't say that as if it's been sprung on the residents from nowhere. The "Littlemoor Gap" was left undeveloped over twenty years ago so this road could be built. Have you read the Environmental Statement that accompanied the planning application? I have, and it goes into quite astounding detail about the effects, both positive and negative, that the WRR will cause.
Firstly Dopey the debate about this road has been going on for about 30 years. Secondly the latest news is that the protestors (plural) were still in the few trees remaining this afternoon, so the debate goes on.
Yeah Crossways has got a busy road running through it, like Littlemoor which is gonna end up with the relief road running right through it. It aint just about trees this, its also about how this scheme will affect people living in one of the poorest estates in town.
However laudable the intentions of the protestors may be there are plenty of legal ways to protest against a road but this should be done in full appreciation of the facts and technical detail concerned. I really don't think anybody can say with credence that due diligence has not been carried out on this project.
fishman68, Weymouth says...
3:12pm Tue 16 Dec 08
cub wrote:Cub, the last of the great orators i presume? Talk about rich words! Meanwhile back on planet Earth there is a well used human saying 'People in glass houses should not throw stones' Your hypocrisy is comical, I assume then you live in a dark unheated cave with a broadband feed only?
Judging from the venomous bile being directed at the protestors via this page it would appear that there are a lot of narrow minded, hate filled bigots reading this paper. Its very easy to sit in our nice warm houses writing snide e-mails, I suggest it takes a bit more guts to sit up a tree in sub zero temperatures and rain on a point of principle. Face up to the fact that not all locals (who work) support this road, but do support free speech and those prepared to stand up and be counted. When you all write back to tear me to pieces can I ask that we have slightly more intelligent comments than "let em freeze to death". Car or planet, its time to decide.
I personally love the inaccuracy of your free speech angle, where you a comedian in your last life? Before turning into a Eco-Nut?
You’re worryingly in concise statement concerning rights under civil law leaves a lot to be desired. If everybody conducted illegal protests the very fabric of society would be completely undermined! Your inference that trespassing and illegal protest is acceptable is morally irresponsible. I suggest you therefore apply the grey matter with more vigour and diligence in the future!
So in the words of the last great orator to adorn this blog, get your facts right and crawl back under the eco-benign habitat that you came from.
Signed: A supporter of continued investment in local economy infrastructure!
cub, Crossways says...
9:40pm Tue 16 Dec 08
Fishman, you shrewdly noticed that I have a computer, and I better come clean and admit that I drive and live in the real world not a tree. Doesnt stop me recognising the damage we're all doing to the planet. Or supporting those prepared to protect the last easily accessible green spaces this crowded little islands got. As for illegal protests undermining the fabric of society, how about womens sufferage, Tolpuddle Martyrs,
Tianeman Square all seen at the time as illegal protests. Ghandi and Mandella were both considered terrorists. Finally to both of you, nice use of the word diligence in both e-mails, do you know each other?
Techie, Weymouth says...
12:29pm Wed 17 Dec 08
It's true that the WRR plan itself doesn't address the town centre but this is being dealt with by other projects such as the Olympic Transport Package.
As for the "protection of the last easily accessible green spaces" I think if it *were* one of the last people might have something to say about it. We have huge areas of countryside in the UK devoid of any development and long may that be the case, but urban areas continue to need to grow and expand and improve their infrastructure.
In the case of the WRR this was always going to be difficult but when you look at the mitigation plans this does in my opinion go a fair way to offset what is to be lost.
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pd7, Dorset says...
7:53am Fri 12 Dec 08