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Court rules to end pipeline vigil | Court rules to end pipeline vigil |
(29 minutes later) | |
National Grid has won the right to immediately evict protesters who have occupied land where part of an extensive gas pipeline is being laid. | National Grid has won the right to immediately evict protesters who have occupied land where part of an extensive gas pipeline is being laid. |
Protesters have been living in trees near Brecon since January to try to stop a section of the 190 mile (320km) pipe being built through woodland. | Protesters have been living in trees near Brecon since January to try to stop a section of the 190 mile (320km) pipe being built through woodland. |
A High Court judge in Cardiff has now granted National Grid immediate possesion of the occupied land. | A High Court judge in Cardiff has now granted National Grid immediate possesion of the occupied land. |
An injunction also forbids trespass and damage to machinery. | An injunction also forbids trespass and damage to machinery. |
The protesters had told Judge Graham Jones their action was a non-violent peaceful expression of their rights, but they could now face arrest if the vigil continues. | The protesters had told Judge Graham Jones their action was a non-violent peaceful expression of their rights, but they could now face arrest if the vigil continues. |
Judge Jones also rejected claims the protesters had not had time to get proper legal representation. | Judge Jones also rejected claims the protesters had not had time to get proper legal representation. |
I feel it's (the pipeline's) going to make a permanent scar over this area Sam, protester | I feel it's (the pipeline's) going to make a permanent scar over this area Sam, protester |
When complete, the pipeline will run from Milford Haven to Gloucestershire and eventually supply up to 20% of the UK's gas needs. | When complete, the pipeline will run from Milford Haven to Gloucestershire and eventually supply up to 20% of the UK's gas needs. |
The £840m project has faced a number of setbacks, including several protests against the first phase of the pipeline at Trebanos in the Swansea Valley. | The £840m project has faced a number of setbacks, including several protests against the first phase of the pipeline at Trebanos in the Swansea Valley. |
Last month, five protesters who prevented work on the Trebanos site in January for about five hours pleaded guilty to aggravated trespass. | Last month, five protesters who prevented work on the Trebanos site in January for about five hours pleaded guilty to aggravated trespass. |
After the hearing, one of the protesters, Heather, said: "I am very disappointed. I am hoping that we can mount some kind of an appeal. But we always knew it was possible for that to happen. | |
Protesters climbed inside the pipe at Trebanos | Protesters climbed inside the pipe at Trebanos |
"Some people will probably move, some people will stay 'til the bitter end." | |
And David Mercer from National Grid said: "The position is that they will be in breach of the court order unless they leave the land. I hope they will comply with the court order." | |
In the past, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has expressed concern about the effect on the environment, and said it did not believe it was the right route for the pipeline. | In the past, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has expressed concern about the effect on the environment, and said it did not believe it was the right route for the pipeline. |
But after months of consultation, National Grid said it had found the most suitable route and the land would be reinstated afterwards. | But after months of consultation, National Grid said it had found the most suitable route and the land would be reinstated afterwards. |
Announcing consent for phase two of the project in February, energy minister Lord Truscott said the potential impact of the pipeline on the beacons had been "uppermost" in his mind. | Announcing consent for phase two of the project in February, energy minister Lord Truscott said the potential impact of the pipeline on the beacons had been "uppermost" in his mind. |
But he said "stringent conditions" on National Grid would enable it to deliver the project "on time but with the least possible environmental impact". | But he said "stringent conditions" on National Grid would enable it to deliver the project "on time but with the least possible environmental impact". |