Protesters banned from Twyford: Injunctions may stop 59 campaigners joining tomorrow's demonstration at the Down, reports Nicholas Schoon
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Your support makes all the difference.COOT, Ruff, Siskin and Reed Warbler were yesterday banned by a high court judge from trespassing or causing any nuisance around the M3 construction site at Twyford Down near Winchester, writes Nicholas Schoon.
They are among 59 individuals named - or code-named - in an injunction obtained by the Department of Transport from Mr Justice Alliott at the High Court in London.
Many of the injuncted attended a meeting of anti-road campaigners last night to decide whether to take part in a big protest planned at the Down tomorrow, risking further sanctions.
The department is waging an expensive legal campaign against the protesters, some of whom it is still unable to name despite the hiring of private detectives, the extensive use of video cameras at protests and the cooperation of Hampshire Police. There has been a stream of site invasions since construction began last year.
Siskin is understood to be one Helen Atkins and Coot is 'possibly called Spence', said Mr Justice Alliott. But the names of Reed Warbler and Ruff are not known. They were filmed carrying placards bearing the names of bird species whose habitats are being destroyed.
The Department of Transport was planning to put notices up around the sprawling construction site this morning carrying details of the injunction and the 59 names in the hope that it would curb Sunday's protest.
The final section of the M3 is carving a 100ft deep cutting through Twyford's wildlife-rich chalk downland, part of a government-designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Two Sites of Special Scientific Interest and two Scheduled Ancient Monuments are being damaged or destroyed in the building of the four-mile, pounds 45m stretch of motorway.
Mr Justice Alliott said the 59 included in the injunction were allowed to protest peacefully and lawfully on public roads, footpaths and bridleways around the site.
Battle of Twyford Down, Magazine
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