It has been a week already since climate chaos activists took occupation of a farm house on the site of the UK’s newest open cast site. Here is an update. The possession court case was chucked out of court for the moment – more here. Don’t forget the 14th July noise demo (link to left).
UK Coal have started some preparatory works at the Shipley open cast site. Many Tonnes of concrete has been cast to reinforce the public access road near the squatted site. This is allow 200 tonne machines to travel back and forth without doing damage to the public right of way. (I’ll pause here while you un-flabbergast yourself………)
Meanwhile, further along Bell Lane, telecom engineers were busy with their underground cable detectors. I don’t know why they couldn’t just phone BT and ask where they put them!
Clearly the angry owner of Whitehouse Farm gatehouse (map ref SK41619 44026) is gradually getting knackered from having to keep opening the gate for vehicles on UK Coal business, as he was having fancy new hinges fitted to the gateposts.
The route is still passable on foot or horse, which is just as well. We have confirmed with Derbyshire County Council that the path from Smalley to the gate at Whitehouse Farm is a designated footpath and from there to Shipley Park it is a public bridleway. The Rights of Way Officers at DCC are very keen to hear of any problems members of the public experience when trying to exercise their right to travel freely along this path.
There is no problem with vehicle access from the Shipley Park end, although the gate may be locked on Sundays (please confirm before you travel)
Meanwhile, back at Shipley Bodge…
The new residents have continued to modernise the old farmhouse so it now boasts a loft apartment, new flags and exterior décor. The garden has not been overlooked with nice new fencing, and several tree-houses under construction.
The protesters are in good spirits and well stocked but please keep the supplies coming. People are also needed, for an hour, a day or preferably longer.
Please bring water, timber and food etc.
See http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/20918 for initial occupation report, and contact, map, wish list, access to the site, court papers & a protest.
See http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/20943 for a report of someone’s visit there.
http://www.leaveitintheground.org.uk
