Local Resource Conflict- Newbury Bypass

Question 1

Why it was proposed and objections

Answer 1

1980 Newbury had 50000 cars per day so congestion serious issue

1984 UK department of transport announces recommendation of west route. 13.5km road

Objections-
Wouldn’t solve it has traffic is internal

Environmental issues eg- 10000 trees, crossed 6 county wildlife sites and Rack Marsh nature reserve

Question 2

Methods of campaign against it

Answer 2

Local residents formed Society for the Prevention of the Western Bypass (SPEWBY)- raise public awareness

1994- Third Battle of Newbury Group gained national support of WWF and greenpeace many complaint letters written

Protestors set up camps all along bypass route to protest hundreds in over 30 camps

February 1996 8000 march along bypass against it

Question 3

Bypass supporters

Answer 3

Local residents supported- 6000 signatures in favour on petition

4 local councils all supported bypass

Local MP was strong supporter of bypass

Question 4

Public inquiry 1988

Answer 4

147 witnesses giving evidence
Support- 4 councils, Newbury pass supporters association
Against- SPEWBY, farmers, parish council, national trust, national rivers authority

1990 announced to go ahead anyway

Question 5

When work began 1996

Answer 5

Highway Agency obtained eviction notice for protestors
2 police forces and 600 security used to remove protestors
Took 5 weeks
£30million security cost
900 protestors arrested

Question 6

After it was built conflict continued

Answer 6

Competed 1998
Campaigners still try to raise awareness of negative impacts
Reunion rallies happen