Proposed peace camp in Pill
The No to Nato protest group hasinvited unlimited numbers of people to set up a peace camp on playing fields in a residential part of Newport. They did not consult local people. Now they have demanded that the cash-strapped Council provide full toilet and rubbish clearance facilities. There is great local anger and a public meeting has been called. Residents are aware that there has been violence at previous anti-NATO demonstrations. The Council put out this clear statement of their position. The protestors are not answering messages sent to them.
Newport City Council would like to make it clear that anti-Nato campaigners have not asked for permission to use the playing fields for a peace camp.
While we recognise that people have a legitimate right to protest, we understand the concerns of residents about the playing fields which are widely used by the community so the council is working with partner agencies and taking steps to mitigate the potential impact.
We met with community representatives to discuss the situation but must emphasise it is being created by the protestors, not the council, so it was not a consultation. The council has certainly not given a “commitment” to hold a peace camp in Pill.
Further information can be found here
Further information can be found here http://www.newport.gov.uk/_dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=news.pressrelease&contentid=CONT727077
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