“When the last tree has been felled and the last crumb of soil has been
paved over will we realise that we need local food and wildlife habitat
more than commuter bus routes?”
Rising Up Press release. Sat 14th March. 9.30 am
A Mighty Oak or a Commuter Bus route!
The “rescue” of protestors from the mighty oaks who have been
protecting these trees for 43 days is sadly in process. We are hoping
that the rough assault tactics witnessed yesterday will not be repeated.
The row of poplars ares still full of tired, cold yet high-spirited
protesters. The operation may take some time with one determined
“squirrel” currently suspended in mid-air between the oaks and the
poplars, dangling in a hammock!
These defiant acts are a sign of strength of conviction and resolve of
the individuals in Rising Up that this destruction is wholly wrong on
every level. The Council’s attempt to justify this for a “green
transport” benefit is totally pathetic. The destruction of the planet
in the name of “progress” has dire consequences – as we see in the state
of our planet today. Truly sustainable development must integrate
environmental, social and economic aspects ensuring one does not
sacrifice one for another.
The MetroBus scheme — with only 3 bus routes with low predicted
passenger figures, mostly existing bus users, could still go ahead
WITHOUT THE BUS ONLY JUNCTION on Stapleton by simply using existing
Junction One, as does the Parkway Park & Ride and other buses. Yet the
Council refuse to contemplate this.
Belinda Faulkes, a Rising Up spokesperson states: With MetroBus, our
democratic systems have failed us and many thousands like us who have
called for a rethink of this junction at every stage. We challenge the
current system of a top-down development strategy at the expense of
local communities and valuable habitats. Whether people are “rescued”
from the trees or not we we still continue Rising up to challenge these
wrong doings in every way we can and we call on all people to join us.
The Rising Up question to Bristol City “Green Capital 2015” Council
and all of those involved in the mindless act is this:
“When the last tree has been felled and the last crumb of soil has been
paved over will we realise that we need local food and wildlife habitat
more than commuter bus routes?”
