Arundel Bypass Protestors Walk Route

In response to strong rumours that the Government were to announce that the second A27 bypass of Arundel would get the go-ahead before Parliament adjourns for the summer recess, a walk of the proposed route was hurriedly arranged for Sunday afternoon, June 29, 2003 by local residents bitterly opposed to the road.

Speaking for SCAR Ian Brookes said: "Despite only being given 4 days notice, dozens of local residents including whole families concerned at the prospect of wholesale destruction of ancient woodland and ecologically sensitive countryside, made this emotional visit  and walked the western section of the proposed second Arundel bypass. Clearly many of the walkers were shocked, as when on the route it's only then you realize just how much of this cherished area will be consumed by the road. Not until you come and see the beauty of the landscape and the majesty of the ancient oaks in the woodland do you get the full impact of the disaster a new road will be"

Ian Brookes added: "This Ancient Woodland complex supports a whole series of species which need the complete woodland to survive. Species such as Goshawk, Dormice, Purple Emperor and the Silver-washed Fritillary butterfly, Yellow-legged Clearwing moth, & the Giant Ichneumon Wasp (Rhyssa persuasoria), all survive in a matrix of Bluebell & Wild Daffodil carpeted mixed coppice & plantation. It is for this reason, that the area is given the designation of a site of national conservation interest. Yet a designation many conservationists feel doesn't do justice to the importance of the area".

Finally Ian Brookes said: "This is just the start of our campaign to stop this second bypass from being built. Already a protesters camp has been set-up and occupied by seasoned local campaigners who supported the Twyford and Newbury camps. Over the coming months the protestors camp will be expanded to cover other area's along the route, there will also be meetings and marches all over the country to make people aware of what the true cost of this road will be".

~ends~

Note for Editors.

There's further information for you to use on the Arundel issue at: www.scar-uk.co.uk/arundel.htm

Note for picture Editors.

Please follow this link www.scar-uk.co.uk/arundelwalk2.htm for stunning pictures - from the top of an 100 foot oak tree - of the countryside that will be destroyed . There are also pictures of some of the protestors.  Credits to 'kriptick'  please.

South Coast Against Roadbuilding (SCAR) was formed in 1994, as an umbrella group to local groups fighting the threat of more road building. Many of our groups support non-violent direct action and were at Twyford Down, Newbury and the A30.