Letter: Divided by a bypass: the Batheaston-Swainswick protest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Your article 'Bypass opponents anger villagers in traffic trap' (21 May) begins to counterbalance the self-interested conservation-at-all-costs exhibited by the protesters encamped on the lower slopes of Solsbury Hill. This campaign, orchestrated by two householders near the route of the roads, Jonathan Dimbleby and Bel Mooney, has suppressed the balanced environmentalist arguments aired over the past 50 years.
Mr Dimbleby will be walking the route of the bypass on Sunday to show his neighbours the destruction the road will cause. On Monday I shall be walking the route of the present A4. I shall have to step into doorways to avoid the traffic and shall find it difficult to breathe from the fumes. If I brush against the walls of the listed buildings, my clothes will be soiled by the filth which these Nimbys wish to keep in Batheaston. I bet Mr Dimbleby won't be walking that route.
Yours,
J. H. POWELL
Batheaston,
Avon
21 May
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments